Master Guide 2016-2017

Master & MBA Guide 2016-2017

Master & MBA Guide 2016-2017

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Table of contents Master’s degrees

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Master’s degrees – The 6 most frequently asked questions Funding your Postgraduate Studies How to apply - tips & recommendations Subjects and rankings – what are they and how to use them Social Sciences Arts and Humanities Engineering and Technology Natural Sciences Life Sciences and Medicine

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Countries – north aMeriCa and Western europe 24

Publisher: Market Trend Ltd. Editors: Yordan Karapenchev Milena Uzunova editorial@studyabroad.bg Proofreader: Iva Johan Gancheva Production Manager: Virginia Dimitrovа

USA Canada - Centennial College Austria Germany Great Britain - Anglia Ruskin University - BPP University - Middlesex University France Denmark Italy The Netherlands Spain Sweden Switzerland

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Countries – southeastern europe

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Bulgaria - The University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College - NBU – New Bulgarian University - VUM Greece

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Countries - asia

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East Asia - The rise of the “Tiger economies” West Asia - From petroleum to world class education China/ Japan Singapore/ South Korea UAE/ Qatar

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So you probably have a lot of experience with education by now. You have completed your secondary studies and are probably well on your way to graduating from a university. You have successfully sat for exams and written long courseworks.

You know a lot – that is fair enough to say. But master programs are different from what you have seen in education so far. Modern universities focus on the practical experience in your field, offer flexibility and weekend courses for those that are working, and attempt to address the needs of the students.

But all that comes at a price. The time of “passive” learning is over. It is expected from master’s students to be proactive and seek out knowledge, instead of waiting for it to come to them. The lecturers can help, but if you don© t study on your own no one will “teach” you the way the teachers did.

There are multiple opportunities for practical experience and internships, but they are largely left to the free market and students will have to learn how to present themselves. You will also have to manage your free time better. It will be up to you to decide if you want to study and work simultaneously. You should also be prepared for higher tuition fees, good education is a service and not always a cheap one.

We are not saying any of this in order to discourage you. Quite the contrary – we would really hope to motivate you to face the challenge and overcome it.

All you have to do is to be certain that studying for a master’s degree is what you really want. If that is the case – we wish you good luck! We are certain that this guide will be of great help when choosing your university!

FroM the editorial teaM

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Master's degrees

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MasTer's degree

The 6 most frequently asked questions

1. What is it?

A master© s degree is obtained in a higher educational establishment of according accreditation – universities, as well as some scientific institutes. In Bulgaria a master© s degree can be received after a minimum of 5 years in the higher educational system (four for a baccalaureate plus one more for a master course). In some countries (such as the UK, the Netherlands, etc.) this could only take four years due to shorter bachelor courses, though the master degree itself remains either one or two years in length.

Those who have obtained a master© s degree have the opportunity to apply for a doctorate and to pursue a career in research and academics. People with a master© s degrees have specialized knowledge in a particular area and enjoy better opportunities in their professional life.

2. should i go For it?

Of course, you are not obliged to take a master course (or any higher education for that matter). But it certainly helps a lot.

In short, we can summarize the following advantages to obtaining such a degree: • a master© s degree is the natural progression of the educational process towards a higher understanding of a given area; • a master© s degree is a post-diploma qualification, which can be in completely different area and open up many new professional opportunities; • a master© s degree is an indication of an individual© s attempt to better themselves, which is in its own right a positive signal for a potential future employer; • a master© s course gives you the opportunity to come into contact with future colleagues in your area of choice.

3. hoW long does it take?

The difference in duration of a master course is determined by the student© s previous qualifications (as well as from the country of choice). For this reason courses are usually divided into specialist (for people who have a similar or identical bachelor background) and non-specialist (for people with other

bachelor degrees) programs. A master© s degree is a mandatory requirement for some professions — jurists, engineers and architects, for example, must complete such a degree, before they are allowed to freely practice their profession.

The complexity of these jobs and their importance in society is why they require a longer period of education.

4. What are the alternatives?

Master’s degrees are not the only options for continuing your studies. Just as there are many reasons for choosing a master’s degree, there can also be many reasons for seeking alternative postgraduate courses; whether you are looking for a minimum investment of time and money, have very specific interest in a small number of course modules or would simply prefer not to commit to a full master’s degree.

A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) both have the same taught module requirements as an equivalent master’s qualification, but omit the research project or require students to take fewer modules. Most PGCert and PGDip programs are available in flexible learning modes, including full-time and part-time learning. The most popular master© s degree in the business world – the MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a very important step in one© s professional progress in international business. One of the sections in this guide is dedicated to it.

5. are degrees reCognized by Countries?

Generally speaking - yes. But there may be some peculiarities, especially regarding degrees in Law, Medicine, Architecture and etc. These may require additional exams and qualifications, before you are allowed to practise your job.

These procedures are greatly simplified within the memberstates of the European Union. The standardized European system of higher education specifies students must have 90-120 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits for a master’s degree. All students who have fulfilled these requirements have mutually recognizable

degrees between the different states. The UK - as is often the case, when speaking about the EU – is somewhat different.

It takes 180 credits to complete a master’s program there.

The equivalent in the United States amounts from 36 to 54 semester credits.

6. What do all these titles Mean?

The two most common titles of master© s degrees are the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S., M.Sc., M.Si., or M.C.A.) degrees. These may be course-based, research-based, or a mixture of the two.

Some universities use the Latin degree names, because of the flexibility of syntax in Latin, the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees may be known as Magister artium or Artium magister and Magister scientiae or Scientiae magister, respectively. Harvard University, University of Chicago, and MIT, for example, use A.M. and S.M. for their master© s degrees.

More commonly, Master of Science often is abbreviated MS or M.S. in the United States, and MSc or M.Sc. in Commonwealth nations and Europe.

Other master© s degrees are more specifically named (the so called - "tagged degrees"). For example - the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), the Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.), the Master of IT in Business (M.I.T.B.), the Master of Business Engineering (M.B.E.), Master in European Business (M.E.B.), Master of Counseling (M.C.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Library Science (M.L.S.), Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.), Master of Laws(LL.M.), Master of Music (M.M. or M.Mus.), Master of Information (M.I.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.).

Some are further general, for example the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S., M.L.A./A.L.M., and M.L.S.), and the Master of Studies (Master of Advanced Study/ Master of Advanced Studies).

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Funding your Postgraduate studies

First oF all - learn to plan

While studying abroad can certainly be a serious financial challenge, there are ways to mitigate its effects on the family budged. Living alone and away from home can help develop skills that are much needed in life. Managing your own monthly budget is most certainly one of them. Whether you study in your own country, or choose to do a degree abroad – reasonable spending is a must.

Taking notes of your expenses and keeping track of what you have at your disposal can seem like tedious work (and to be fair – it kinda is), but it really helps. Another tip: keep less money in cash and more in the bank. Not only because it would be awful to lose your wallet or to have it stolen. It is scientifically proven that cash money disappear faster than the ones you have in the bank. Trust us on this.

Before we move to the possible solutions for funding, we must give you one last warning. Be sure, that you could fund your studies all the way through. Don’t count on getting scholarships or winning awards two or three years from now. It would be really depressing if you have to quit your studies for financial reasons.

Now, let’s get on with the available sources of funding:

sCholarships

Scholarships are the most prestigious and desirable financial aid a student can seek. They don’t need to be repaid, they are „earned” and, in a best-case scenario, they cover the full cost of tuition fees of an institution as well as some portion of the cost of living during the program. But if there is one thing you need to know about scholarships - they are also the hardest to secure.

Globally speaking, there are a large number of scholarships available from a wide range of sources – governments, universities, private organizations. However, applying for them often takes a lot of time and resources, and the competition for every cent is fierce.

student loans

The word “loan” sounds terrifying for many. Especially for

parents. The student loans, however, are different. In the English-speaking countries (like the US or the UK for example) they are the most common way of financing the education.

In the UK, for example, student loans are available at the undergraduate level but increasingly hard to come by for master’s and PhD students.

Graduate students in the UK and other countries may have to consider a personal loan – sometimes also offered as a personal or professional development loan – in order to pay for tuition fees and living expenses. However, interest rates tend to be comparatively high and repayment conditions not as lenient.

QS recently published an interesting article, that shows a growing number of new and innovative services are emerging, notably including peer-to-peer lending (also known as P2P or social lending). A form of crowd-sourcing, P2P lending provides private loans to individuals and small business or organizations without having an official financial institution involved. It’s run through specialized online platforms, some of which focus on the student market.

grants

Charities, trusts, learned societies and special interest groups often dedicate a portion of their budget to fund graduate studies. While some organizations target specific and niche demographics, many focus simply on students from lower income backgrounds, those experiencing particular financial difficulty, and/or those with demonstrable academic excellence.

Usually awards are made for a year at a time, with renewal possible, and students can secure backing from multiple organizations.

When applying for funding, focus on anything that makes you particularly distinctive. Points to highlight include: the relevance and potential future applications of your research; any ways in which your interests and/or background align with those of the funding

organization; any disadvantages or challenges you’ve faced, along with your drive to succeed and potential to do so.

Work

Working while you study can be very tricky. It is not easy to combine the two, especially early on in your studies. Several student guides recommend that you start working immediately after you enroll in a university. Combining the two may be challenging and it is definitely not worth sacrificing your education.

Having said that, there are some good opportunities for students.

Part-time jobs are ubiquitous in the northern European and North American countries. In fact – it is seen as an important step in growing up and becoming an adult. Getting your first paid job, while studying will help you relieve some of the burden from your parents and provide you with good social skills. Trust us when we say – the latter are just as important as the education in the university.

Funding FroM an eMployer

This is a tricky part. But since you are now considering a master’s degree, you are probably working already, so it is worth considering. Employers can also fund the studies of their subordinates to improve their qualifications.

This is usually done in MBA programs, so we will discuss it in greater detail in the other section of this guide. However, there are some things that are relevant to other master’s degree programs. It is not uncommon for professionals in management, economics or even engineering to receive funding.

Of course this isn’t done pro bono. The idea is that you will continue working for the same employer for a given period of time and their investment in you will be repaid. You will probably have to sign a contract, guaranteeing that you will continue working for the same company for a certain period of time. If you quit your job earlier – you will probably have to reimburse your employer at least partially.

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How to apply - tips & recommendations

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o it is decided. You will be studying a master’s degree.

Great! But now what? Where should you start and how should you prepare? Well, disappointingly enough, we won’t be able to provide you with a clear recipe for success. It all depends on you. Buts still – given our extensive experience in the matter – we could give some useful tips, that will save you a lot of time, energy and nerves. Without further ado, let’s get started:

1. start preparing your doCuMents as early as possible

We cannot overemphasize enough on the importance of this first piece of advice. Your future studies might end up depending not only on your merits, but also – on the speed of the administration. And the latter may not be great.

Many master© s programs accept applications continuously, (this is the so called “rolling admission”). However, others have official deadlines. Considering that master© s courses usually begin in September or October, aim to apply eight months in advance. This means that you should be certain of your intentions to apply by the beginning of your last year of the bachelor’s degree and start requesting the documents no later than January or February.

Initially you will probably need an academic transcript.

Universities that offer conditional admission will accept it. This acceptance is provisional – you will be required to present your diploma at a later date. The diplomas may take up to a year to be issued by your old university, so make sure you will fit in all the deadlines.

2. prepare For an intervieW

It is fair to say that not all universities will organize an interview with the applicants. This practice is more common in Englishspeaking countries. However, it is slowly but surely spreading elsewhere too. So you really should be prepared! But how?

First of all – don’t panic. This is a normal procedure, it is the same for all the candidates and learning to handle such situations will be useful for you. The questions in these

interviews often follow one of these topics: • Reasons for choosing the course - Show that you© ve researched the institution and course. Explain WHY you feel it is your best option.

• Funding - Tell the interviewer what funding measures you have in place. Be honest. Having a plan for funding is important either way.

• Academic knowledge - You may be asked about a particular issue in your field, so do your homework.

• Career goals - Explain how you plan to become successful and be as specific as possible. Define goals for yourself for the next five or ten years.

3. prepare a portFolio

This demonstrates your work, showing your commitment, abilities, creativity and personality. It should contain a range of your best and most recent work, explaining how it© s been crafted through investigation and reference materials. If you are going for a degree in arts, design or engineering this is a must.

But you would be surprised to see how relevant it is in other subjects too. Your application for anything from Journalism and PR to Engineering and technology will benefit from having one. This can be useful independently or during the interview.

Some may ask you to submit your portfolio digitally - this could be in the form of a slideshow, CD-ROM or DVD.

4. get the best reCoMMendations

Recommendation matter, so don’t underestimate this step.

Institutions often require two academic referees and many use a set form. Finding a referee, willing to help you and fluent in English, could be a challenge. In the best case scenario you will meet with your lecturer and explain your request. But if they don’t have the time for such a meeting, you should prepare a CV and brief explanation about your ambitions.

Look for referees, who can confirm that you took part in some extracurricular activities. Western universities generally

rank that highly. Science conferences, academic publications and field trips all count. Also – try to find a referee who is a specialist in the area of your prospective master’s degree (for example - a mathematician’s opinion is worth more for an MA in Math).

For a degree in Business Management, it may be prudent to get a recommendation from an employer or a business-partner.

It looks great and really professional. Just don’t forget to make sure that such referees will be accepted.

5. think about your personal stateMent

Writing a personal statement is pretty similar to the interview.

In fact – most universities will have either one or the other, but very rarely both.

Anyway – let’s go through the steps one by one. You already know the reasons you want to go abroad, so don’t worry. All you have to do now is to put them on paper to try and convince your school that you should go.

First, in a nicely written intro paragraph, explain your reasons for studying abroad. Just give a general overview since you’ll be getting into the specifics later in the essay. Include why you want to go abroad and what originally interested you in going abroad and everything else that seems relevant to you. But don’t make it too long! It must be short and catchy.

Next, try to explain how going to class in a different culture will expand your capacity to learn and interpret new information.

That is very true, so you shouldn’t have a problem doing it and it looks great in your essay.

Next, go into depth about why you chose the location and the school that you did. This proves that the essay you are writing is prepared for their university in particular and not just something you are sending to everybody (and yes, that does mean that you should write a different essay or personal statement for every university).

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subjects and rankings: what are they and how to use them

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hen choosing their future university, students often consult rankings online. These show the best universities (according to a set of specific criteria, outlined by the organization responsible for the ranking) per country or subject.

The criteria that each ranking uses can vary, which can explain the differences in the results. While they are an extremely helpful tool (and we will be using several of them in this guide), it is important to note, that they should not be only source of information when you choose your future. Don’t worry if your dream university and program aren’t in the top 10. It is simply very difficult to get there. You can get high quality education and make the first steps towards a successful career in several institutions.

Each international ranking has its pros and cons.

1. Qs World university rankings

www.topuniversities.com QS World University Rankings is an annual publication of university rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Previously known as THE-QS World University Rankings, QS had collaborated with Times Higher Education (THE) magazine to publish its international league tables from 2004 to 2009 before both of them started to announce their own versions. This is probably the most-cited ranking worldwide and is generally seen as the most prestigious.

Pros: It provides detailed information both per subject and per country. It is not only among the most internationally recognizable ones, but also one of the best funded. It is independent of any governments or educational institutions.

Cons: The QS World University Rankings have been criticized by many for placing too much emphasis on peer review, which receives 40 percent of the overall score. Academicians have also been critical of the use of the citation database, arguing that it undervalues institutions which excel in the social sciences.

2. the World university rankings www.timeshighereducation.com

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, founded in 2004, provide the definitive list of the world© s best universities, evaluated across teaching, research, international outlook, reputation and more. THE’s data are trusted by governments and universities and are a vital resource for students, helping them choose where to study.

The list of the best global universities rankings include many performance indicators directly relevant to students and their families, including faculty-student ratios, the university’s global reputation, its total resources, the international mix on campus, and its links to business.

Pros: David Willetts, British Minister of State for Universities and Science praised the rankings, noting that "reputation counts for less this time, and the weight accorded to quality in teaching and learning is greater."

Cons: According to the European University Association, Times Higher Education gives much importance to citations on their ranking. This has been criticized for undermining universities that do not use English as their primary language. Institutions more focused on other subjects like the social sciences and humanities are also underrepresented.

3. aCadeMiC ranking oF World universities

www.shanghairanking.com China is a growing powerhouse for education and it is no surprise that they have developed their own rankings. Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as Shanghai Ranking, is an annual publication of university rankings by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy based in China. ARWU is regarded as one of the three most influential and widely observed university measures, alongside QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Pros: ARWU is praised by several media and institutions for its

methodology and influence, notably by The Economist.

Whilst ARWU has originated in China, the ranking has been praised for being unbiased towards Asian institutions. The Chancellor of University of Oxford, Chris Patten described the methodology of the rankings as "solid" and a "pretty good stab at a fair comparison."

Cons: Like all other rankings, ARWU has criticism. It is condemned for "relying too much on award factors" thus undermining the importance of quality of instruction and humanities. ARWU has been criticised by the European Commission as well as some EU member states for "favouring Anglo-Saxon higher education institutions", despite being an Asian-based institution.

4. WeboMetriCs

www.webometrics.info The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, also known as Ranking Web of Universities, is a ranking system for the worldŠ s universities based on a composite indicator that takes into account both the volume of the Web contents (number of web pages and files) and the visibility and impact of these web publications according to the number of external inlinks (site citations) they received.

Pros: Research only (bibliometrics) based rankings are biased against technologies, computer science, social sciences and humanities - disciplines that usually amounts for more than half of the scholars and students in a standard comprehensive university.

Webometrics uses link analysis for quality evaluation as it is a far more powerful tool than citation analysis or global surveys.

Cons: Webometrics is the largest ranking by number of HEIs analyzed, but there is no classification of the different institutional types, so research-intensive universities are listed together with community colleges or theological seminaries. Fake and unaccredited institutions have been found in the rankings as well, because the selection is made by a computer program.

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social sciences

T

he most boring and scientific description about social sciences is: “Subjects” that are united by a focus on understanding the workings of human society. This includes particular spheres such as law or finance, or taking a more holistic approach to understanding the causes of social change, or the relationships between individual and state.

In a wider sense, social science also includes some fields in the humanities such as anthropology, archaeology, jurisprudence, psychology, history, and linguistics.

The social science disciplines are branches of knowledge taught and researched at the college or university level. These fields of study usually have several sub-disciplines or branches, and the distinguishing lines between these are often both arbitrary and ambiguous.The most popular social sciences among the aspiring master’s degree students that we could list are:

laW

This is one of the most important professions and unsurprisingly – it requires a long time to study. In order to be a qualified jurist you must have a master’s degree. That involves studying at least 5 years at the university.

The subjects that people study across different countries are generally similar. For students in the EU European law and the International relations are particularly important. Other important subjects include Political Science, History of Law, Roman Law, Logic, Rhetoric (useful for future lawyers), Civil law and etc.

Students throughout the world study Latin as part of the curriculum. Tradition is not the only reason for this. Several judicial terms are based on Roman law and are identical in practically every major modern language.

eConoMiCs

The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek (oikos, "house") and (nomos, "custom" or "law"). It practically meant “rules of the house”. In the modern world the science of Economics deals with larger and complex systems such as the market, monetary policy and economic planning. In Bulgaria,

over the last several years, Economics has constantly been among the most preferred degree programs. In fact, it has become so popular, that the Ministry of Education has outlined plans to reduce the number of universities offering bachelor© s and master© s degrees in this field.

Careers in economics are as diverse as they come, with job roles covering everything from food and agriculture to business and banking. Depending on your area of interest, an economics degree will help you develop specialized analytical skills, enabling you to successfully enter multiple industries as a professional economist, or as another type of professional with an eye for economics.

CoMMuniCation & Media studies

Media studies are a field of study that deals with the content, history, and effects of various media. In particular - the mass media. As the media and communication sector becomes more diverse and dynamic, master’s degrees in the field of media and communication studies are also growing in popularity.

These include Public Relations, Media Management, Journalism and Production, New Media, Social Media, to name a few. Mass Communication or Communication Studies are thought to be a more popular term than “media studies” for academic departments in the United States and other Englishspeaking countries.

The focus of such programs sometimes includes studying the peculiarities of various media—television, film, book publishing, video games, etc. Of course, not all of them in a single program, but different combinations are common.

Possible careers include PR and advertising agencies, as well as back-stage crew for television programs and production companies, among others.

eduCation

Education (or Pedagogy) is the discipline that deals with the theory and practice of education. In other words - it concerns the study and practice of how best to teach. This might surprise

you, but some countries (especially in Eastern Europe) are experiencing a dramatic shortage of educators and Bulgaria is among them. This has propelled Education programs forward among the most desired by the candidates.

The specialists in Education primarily occupy jobs in institutions such as kindergartens, schools and universities. But a pedagogue can occupy various kinds of jobs, e.g. in retirement homes, prisons, orphanages, and human resource management.

These are often described as social pedagogues as they perform on behalf of society. A master’s degree in Education will provide managerial skills on top of the pedagogical and prepare candidates for the positions of directors, administrators in the Ministry of Education or members of NGO-s.

soCiology

Sociology is the study of social behavior or society, including its origins, development, organization, networks, and institutions. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, disorder and change.

Many sociologists aim to conduct research that may be applied directly to social policy and welfare, while others focus primarily on refining the theoretical understanding of social processes.

The good news for prospective sociology majors is that their studies are uniquely suited to help them develop the skills you need for a successful 21st century career. Sociologists study social life, social change, diverse communities and their interactions, and they use scientific methods to find empirical answers to complex social questions.

Studying sociology can help foster your creativity, innovation, critical thinking, analytic problem solving and communication skills. As a graduate with a Sociology degree, you will have a foundation for better understanding and engaging with the globalizing world. You will be equipped with the tools needed to make sense of the shifting social world and contribute solutions to difficult social problems.

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arts & Humanities

F

rom ancient times to the present day, people around the globe have raised fundamental questions about life through the arts, literature and philosophy. The Arts and Humanities use methods that are primarily critical, or speculative, and are distinguished from the mainly empirical approaches of the natural sciences.

The Humanities include ancient and modern languages, literature, philosophy, international relations and musicology.

Scholars in the Humanities are "humanity scholars" or humanists.

The term "humanist" also describes the philosophical position of humanism. Some secondary schools offer humanities classes, usually consisting of English literature, global studies and art. If you want to become a professional artist, musician, actor or writer, studying an arts course will give you many of the technical skills you need. However, you should note that many courses do not train you for specific careers, but teach a range of skills such as literacy, research and communication that are useful in a wide range of jobs, instead.

arChiteCture

Master of Architecture degree programs are designed to provide students who have a pre-professional degree in architecture or architectural studies. There are also post professional Master of Science in Architecture programs that allow students to specialize in an area like urban or sustainable design.

Both types of graduate programs allow students to gain studio experience designing buildings. Since the 1980s, as the complexity of buildings began to increase (in terms of structural systems, services, energy and technologies), the field of architecture became multi-disciplinary with specializations for each project type, technological expertise or project delivery methods.

In addition, there has been an increased separation of the „design” architect from the „project” architect who ensures

that the project meets the required standards. Environmental sustainability has become a mainstream issue, with profound effect on the architectural profession. Many developers, those who support the financing of buildings, have become educated to encourage the facilitation of environmentally sustainable design, rather than solutions based primarily on immediate cost.

art & design

Graphic design, also known as communication design, is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. The form of the communication can be physical or virtual, and may include images, words, or graphic forms.

A master’s degree can help you develop in-depth knowledge of a specialist topic, e.g. typography or illustration, or move into a related area such as multimedia, landscape architecture or interior design. Some master© s allow you to collaborate, either formally or informally, with other creative people such as fine artists or film makers. Additionally, a master© s gives you time to enhance portfolios and build a bigger network of contacts in the industry.

From working for a design consultancy to setting up your own studio, a degree in arts or graphic design opens the door to a range of creative careers. Jobs directly related to this master’s degree include: Advertising specialists; Animator; Graphic designer; Illustrator; Printmaker; Production designer in theatre/ television/film.

Only a few graduates obtain jobs as a result of their final degree shows. Internships are a more common way of finding work and building up experience, making contacts and increasing your portfolio.

linguistiCs

Linguists investigate how people acquire their knowledge about language, how this knowledge interacts with other cognitive processes, how it varies across speakers and geographic

regions, and how to model this knowledge computationally.

They study how to represent the structure of the various aspects of language (such as sounds or meaning), how to account for different linguistic patterns theoretically, and how the different components of language interact with each other.

A common misconception states that linguists learn multiple languages. Many linguists do fieldwork, collecting empirical evidence to help them gain insight into a specific language or languages in general. The work of a linguist actually involves learning about “language”, rather than learning the various languages themselves.

perForMing arts

According to the definition of UNESCO, the performing arts range from vocal and instrumental music, dance and theatre to pantomime, sung verse and beyond. They include numerous cultural expressions that reflect human creativity and that are also found, to some extent, in many other intangible cultural heritage domains.

Performing Arts differ from other majors in that they require demonstrations and constant practical applications, during the course of education. This is a vital part of the music, dance and theater courses throughout the world. Unlike Science degrees which focus on facts and formulas, Arts disciplines offer more creativity and inspirational education and concepts.

Performing artists generally supplement their training, generate opportunities and enhance their creative knowledge through work experience. Other options include getting involved with unfunded charitable organizations’ projects, or to support industry professionals in developing their creative process.

philosophy

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The Ancient Greek word (philosophia) was probably coined by Pythagoras and literally means "love of wisdom" or "friend of wisdom".

Philosophy has been divided into many sub-fields. It has been divided chronologically (ancient and modern), by topic (epistemology, logic, metaphysics, ethics and aesthetics) and by style (for example - analytic philosophy). We will not get into too much detail on the different schools of philosophy in this guide, but we must say this. Unlike mathematics for example, there is never one single correct answer in philosophy. The whole point of the programs is to improve your thinking and understanding of the world. Now, with regard to the career opportunities…

This is difficult to say. Business and philosophy seem at first glance to be worlds apart, but, in fact, many successful people in business and industry started out as philosophy majors.

Surprisingly, a study by the University of Maryland in the US, reveals that their philosophy alumni have become stockbrokers, venture capitalists, marketing specialists, managers, editors, publishing industry executives and real-estate brokers, among other things.

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engineering & Technology

F

According to the Colins English Dictionary, “engineering” is the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines (mechanical engineering), buildings, bridges, roads (civil engineering), electrical machines and communication systems (electrical engineering), chemical plant and machinery (chemical engineering), or aircraft (aeronautical engineering).

Engineering has existed since ancient times as humans devised fundamental inventions such as the wedge, lever, wheel, and pulley. Each of these inventions is essentially consistent with the modern definition of engineering.

Engineers apply mathematics and sciences to find suitable solutions to problems or to make improvements to the status quo. Today, more than ever, engineers are now required to have knowledge of relevant sciences for their design projects.

As a result, they may keep on learning new material throughout their career.

If multiple options exist, engineers weigh different design choices on their merits and choose the solution that best matches the requirements. The crucial and unique task of the engineer is to identify, understand, and interpret the constraints on a design in order to produce a successful result. It is usually not enough to build a technically successful product; it must also meet further requirements.

MeChaniCal engineering

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that concentrates looks into design, production, usage and operation of machines.

Mechanical engineering study field aims to analyze, manufacture and design mechanical systems.

This study field uses concepts of material theory and physics.

Mechanical engineering includes kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, structural science, material analysis, physics, etc. Graduates can mainly work in manufacturing firms in public or private sector, research institutions of business environment. According to Career Profiles, the field of

mechanical engineering is one of the broadest career options.

Mechanical engineers are involved in design, development, construction, testing, and research relating to various types of machines, tools, engines and thermal devices. The work on all stages of a product, from research and development to design and manufacturing.

Since most industries rely on mechanical systems and devices, mechanical engineers are employed in just about every industry worldwide. They© re employed in manufacturing, energy and power, construction and various medical industries, to name just a few.

If you want to get into engineering and your course does not offer a placement, try to secure one yourself during the summer vacation. Many large engineering employers offer opportunities so get in touch with them directly. The work is often hands-on and provides a good insight into the engineering environment.

Civil engineering

Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering train students to solve the challenges involved in designing, implementing and maintaining vital infrastructure, from everyday tunnels, bridges and railways to flood barriers and earthquake protection systems. Program© s may be either taught or research based, with both full master© s degrees and postgraduate certificates or diplomas available.

Some courses award specialised degrees such as the MEng in Civil Engineering, whilst others lead to MSc, MRes or MPhil qualifications.

As the FindAMaster© s portal points out - planning motorways and tunnels may not seem as exciting as designing new aircraft or high-tech materials, but these kinds of project are just as important - if not more so. There© s also immense satisfaction (and financial reward) in successfully completing projects that will benefit thousands of people on a daily basis.

Civil engineers can do a lot more than design buildings and bridges. Their work can be found in the aerospace industry, designing everything from jetliners to space stations. In the

automotive industry, perfecting the load-carrying capacity of a chassis and improving the crashworthiness of bumpers and doors.

eleCtriCal engineering

Electrical engineers assume a principal role in implementing industrial infrastructure, from vast complexes to intricate applications on hand-held devices.

Electrical engineering has many sub-disciplines, including microelectronics, telecommunication engineering, signal processing, control engineering, computer engineering, integrated circuits, digital electronics, power engineering and optoelectronics, to name just a few. These areas (or at least a combination of some of them) form the core of the curriculum in such programs.

In short, we can summarize that this field of engineering aims to look into the problems of electronic systems which can be large scale (electric-power engineering) to the smallest possible scale (nanoelectronics). In the modern world practically every piece of technology is reliant on electrical engineers for its proper operations. This means that career opportunities in the sector are not likely to go away or even decrease in the foreseeable future.

CheMiCal engineering

Chemical Engineering is a branch of science that applies physical sciences (physics and chemistry) and life sciences (microbiology and biochemistry) together with applied mathematics and economics to produce, transform, transport, and properly use chemicals, materials and energy.

Essentially, chemical engineers design large-scale processes that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms and energy into useful forms and products.

Forbes recently described chemical engineering as one the worst opportunities for doing a master’s degree, because of the low prospects of growth in the sector. But, while it’s true that this program is not as prestigious as it was 30 years ago,

we wouldn’t jump to such a conclusion. Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Chemical engineers must be able to work with those who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.

Employers value pre-entry work experience that relates to the career you want to enter. Some degree courses offer a year in industry, which is valuable as it can provide evidence of skill development and commercial awareness

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Natural sciences

N

atural science is a branch of science concerned with the description, prediction, and understanding of natural phenomena, based on observational and empirical evidence. Validity, accuracy, and social mechanisms ensuring quality control, such as peer review and repeatability of findings, are amongst the criteria and methods used for this purpose. Natural science can be broken into two main branches: life science (or biological science) and physical science. Physical science is further broken down into branches, including physics, astronomy, chemistry, and Earth science. All of these branches of natural science are divided into many further specialized fields, and each of these is known as a "natural science".

In Western societyŠ s analytic tradition, the empirical and especially natural sciences use tools from formal sciences, such as mathematics and logic, converting information about nature into measurements which can be explained as clear statements about the "laws of nature".

biology

Many people are not aware of the wonder of natural world.

For example – how could a fragment of DNA, nothing more than a chemical sequence, contain genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms?

This field of Biology studies these questions among many others. The scale of study can range from sub-component biophysics up to complex ecologies. Biology is concerned with the characteristics, classification and behaviors of organisms, as well as how species were formed and their interactions with each other and the environment.

The biological fields of botany, zoology, and medicine date back to early periods of civilization, while microbiology was introduced in the 17th century with the invention of the microscope. However, it was not until the 19th century that biology became a unified science. Once scientists discovered commonalities between all living things, it was decided they were best studied as a whole. A wide range of employers recruit graduates for biology-related jobs including, but not

limited to: universities and clinical research organizations; pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; private hospitals and clinics; national and global health and environmental charities; scientific and technical consultancies; outreach organizations, such as museums, science centers and broadcast companies.

Many biology graduates have been known to pursue opportunities outside the science and health sectors in industries such as business, finance, marketing, education and sales.

CheMistry

Chemistry - the scientific study of matter at the atomic and molecular scale, chemistry deals primarily with collections of atoms, such as gases, molecules, crystals, and metals.

The composition, statistical properties, transformations and reactions of these materials are studied. Early experiments in chemistry had their roots in the system of Alchemy, a set of beliefs combining mysticism with physical experiments.

The science of chemistry began to develop with the work of Robert Boyle, the discoverer of gas, and Antoine Lavoisier, who developed the theory of the Conservation of mass. Most chemical processes can be studied directly in a laboratory, using a series of (often well-tested) techniques for manipulating materials, as well as an understanding of the underlying processes. Chemistry is often called "the central science" because of its role in connecting the other natural sciences.

A qualification in chemistry opens doors to a wide range of careers. Chemistry is involved in our everyday lives and there is a vast range of jobs and careers open to those who have studied chemistry at any level; great career opportunities exist both inside and outside the lab. Nobody knows what the jobs of the future will look like, but many of them will be created in chemistry to solve global challenges such as human health, energy and the environment.

physiCs

Physics embodies the study of the fundamental constituents of the universe, the forces and interactions they exert on one

another, and the results produced by these interactions. In general, physics is regarded as the fundamental science, because all other natural sciences use and obey the principles and laws set down by the field. Physics relies heavily on mathematics as the logical framework for formulation and quantification of principles.

The study of the principles of the universe has a long history and largely derives from direct observation and experimentation. The formulation of theories about the governing laws of the universe has been central to the study of physics from very early on, with philosophy gradually yielding to systematic, quantitative experimental testing and observation as the source of verification.

Physics in not just about rocket science. While that is one of the possible career development opportunities, there are other possibilities as well. People with a master’s degree in physics can pursue a career in various fields - from predicting climate change to designing computer games.

earth sCienCe

Earth Science (also known as geoscience), is an all-embracing term for the sciences related to the planet Earth, including geology, geophysics, hydrology, meteorology, physical geography, oceanography, and soil science.

Although mining and precious stones have been human interests throughout the history of civilization, the development of the related sciences of economic geology and mineralogy did not occur until the 18th century. The study of the earth, particularly palaeontology, blossomed in the 19th century.

The growth of other disciplines, such as geophysics, in the 20th century led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics in the 1960s, which has had a similar effect on the Earth Sciences as the theory of evolution had on biology. Earth Sciences today are closely linked to petroleum and mineral resources, climate research and to environmental assessment.

Earth Science students learn to use limited amounts of data

to make inferences about the world around them. Many employers find skills learned in the Earth Sciences to be useful in settings where the complexities of “real world� situations often require analysis and action based on limited information.

Traditionally, job opportunities in Earth Sciences include positions in academia, government, environmental consulting, petroleum and mining. Many of these industries have an aging work force and are engaged in a long term hiring trend to replace retirees.

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Life sciences & Medicine

T

he Life Sciences include several branches of science, such as microbiology, pharmacy, psychology and biology that deal with living organisms and their organization, life processes, and relationships to each other and their environment. Sometimes they are referred to as bioscience.

Without a doubt, these are some of the most challenging subjects out there. We don’t mean to discourage you by saying this, but you should be prepared. Having said that - one could argue that they are also some of the most exciting and rewarding, with breakthroughs occurring every day.

The specialists at the QS World University rankings argue that for those looking to make a genuinely positive contribution to the world, there can be few better (or more prestigious) options than degrees in Medicine or Life Sciences!

MediCine

Medicine is the science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The word medicine is derived from Latin medicus, meaning "a physician". Medicine encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness. Contemporary medicine applies biomedical sciences, biomedical research, genetics, and medical technology to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury and disease.

A typical medicine course at a university is 5 years (or 4 years in some countries if the student already holds a degree).

Among some institutions and for some students, it may be 6 years. All programs culminate in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree (abbreviated MBChB, MBBS, MBBCh, BM, etc.). This is followed by 2 clinical foundation years afterward similar to internship training.

This makes medical education one of the longest and most demanding courses out there. Choosing a medical specialty is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. Medical specialties can be classified along several axes. These are: Surgical or internal medicine Age range of patients

Diagnostic or therapeutic Organ-based or technique-based

pharMaCy

Pharmacy is the science and technique of preparing and dispensing drugs. It is a health profession that links health sciences with chemical sciences and aims to ensure the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs.

Pharmacists tend to be analytical and have great attention to detail, which facilitates pharmacological accuracy and pharmacy organization. Pharmacists must also be good communicators to clearly explain the steps involved in taking medication and avoiding potentially harmful side effects.

The scope of pharmacy practice includes more traditional roles such as compounding and dispensing medications, and it also includes more modern services related to health care, including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and efficacy, and providing drug information. Pharmacists, therefore, are the experts on drug therapy and are the primary health professionals who optimize use of medication for the benefit of the patients. Pharmacists can work in a variety of medical environments, including drug stores, hospitals, private businesses and long-term care facilities.

psyChology

Psychology is the study of behavior and mind, embracing all aspects of human experience. It is an academic discipline and an applied science which seeks to understand individuals and groups by establishing general principles and researching specific cases.

In this field, a professional practitioner or researcher is called a psychologist and can be classified as a social, behavioral, or cognitive scientist. Psychologists attempt to understand the role of mental functions in individual and social behavior, while also exploring the physiological and biological processes that underlie cognitive functions and behaviors.

The majority of psychologists are involved in some kind of therapeutic role, practicing in clinical, counseling, or school settings. Many do scientific research on a wide range of topics related to mental processes and behavior.

Master’s degree holders with several years of experience in business and industry can obtain jobs in consulting and marketing research, while other master’s degree holders may find jobs in government, universities, or the private sector as counselors, researchers, data collectors and analysts.

veterinary sCienCe

Much like medical degrees, veterinary science (or veterinary medicine) encompasses everything from preventative care to psychological analysis and complex surgical procedures. The right candidates for this type of programs are passionate about animal wellbeing, have a strong aptitude for scientific study and feel up to the challenge of dealing with all kinds of creatures‌ and their owners.

Veterinary school curricula are not standardized, with programs lasting from three to six years. In the United States and Canada the program is generally four years long, usually after a four-year pre-vet undergraduate degree). For the first three years, students learn anatomy, physiology, histology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, immunology, bacteriology, virology, pathology, parasitology, toxicology, herd health (also called population health), nutrition, radiography, and epidemiology.

During the third year, students learn anesthesiology, diagnostics, surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and dentistry.

For the fourth year, often 12 months long instead of nine, students care for a wide range of animals.

A study in the United States shows that 80% of veterinarians choose to work in private practice, providing health care for companion animals. Private practitioners may work in a one-person practice or as part of a team in a larger clinic or hospital.

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america and europe

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Бълхгария usa FaCts capital official language population area currency climate

Washington English 323 534 450 9 826 675 km2 American dollar (USD) various

duration Master’s degree programs in the USA are traditionally 2 years (4 semesters).

Studies for Law and Medicine are structured in a different way. On the master’s level, as well as on the undergraduate, it is possible to study in a dual degree program and combine two fields of study i.e. MBA/LLM.

language The majority of the programs in the US are conducted in English. For some fields of study there might be a requirement or a possibility for a second foreign language due to the specifics of the program or because of study abroad opportunities incorporated in the program. However, this would be rather an exception.

language CertiFiCates Тhe English level requirements are usually certified by TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is probably the most popular US certificate for estimating your language skills. The Michigan tests are other options that applicants have. Many U.S. universities also accept the British exams IELTS and Cambridge ESOL.

adMission reQuireMents An international equivalent of a North American four-year bachelor’s degree program from an acknowledged university is required for admission to a master’s degree program in the USA. If you have a three-year bachelor diploma, you will have to complete a pre-master’s program first. Applicants have to submit English language proficiency certificate, official transcripts, application form, essays, cover letter and letters of recommendation. For MBA programs you will have to prepare a resumé.

useFul Websites www.studyinusa.com www.fulbright.bg www.educationusa.info www.ussc.edu.au

school. Tests usually require at least several months of preparation and registration should be done about one and half months before the test date.

Tests are administered in certified test centers in many countries outside of the USA. If you apply through Study Group (a global model, partnering with universities to recruit international students) you do not need to take the ACT (American College Testing) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) exams.

tuition Fees Annual tuition fees for master’s degree programs are from 20,000 to 70,000 USD. MBA programs, legal studies and medicine may be even more expensive. International students may apply for scholarships. Eligibility depends entirely on the type of scholarship and the university; there is no general rule of thumb on whether you can apply for a financial award. Some scholarships require students to have a certain TOEFL score, others require that you are from a certain country, etc. You will need to contact the chosen institution and do your own research.

There is a number of scholarships, aimed especially at international students, such as Foreign Fulbright Student Program, American University Scholarships, Arkansas University Scholarships, Columbia College Scholarship, etc. In addition, graduate students are eligible for grants, fellowships, loans and other types of financial aid.

living expenses

Application interview may also be required by some programs. For majors like architecture and the arts a portfolio should be presented as well. In most US universities students can begin their studies in the fall semester (September) or in the spring semester (January). Application usually starts about one year in advance before the planned beginning of the master’s studies.

Living expenses in the US may vary greatly between states, the location of the university and whether it offers residence halls. Each university to which you apply for admission will provide an estimate of the living costs. Generally, the average apartment in the United States can be anywhere from 500 USD for one bedroom apartment to 1,500 USD for three bedroom apartment in urban areas. One thing you can do to supplement your education is to find a job. Most international students that are studying in the United States hold what is called an F-1 Visa, which allows them to work only if they meet certain requirements and conditions. You can either get a job on-campus or off-campus.

exaMs

Funding options

In addition to the above requirements, many US universities expect applicants to submit GRE (Graduate Record Examination) general or subject tests.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a requirement for most MBA programs; LSAT (Law School Admission Test) for admission to law

Graduate students are eligible for scholarships, research grants, fellowships and other types of financial support provided primarily by the university.

Other institutions may also provide funding to support graduate studies. The universities (Admissions Office, Financial Aid Office, International Students

Office or the Departments) usually can provide a list of outside sources of funding to which applicants can apply for support. Some student loans may also be accessible to international students.

pros and Cons US universities traditionally head the world rankings of universities and are famous for the quality of teaching and research. USA attracts a very large number of international students and the universities provide a variety of services to its international population. Students are also encouraged to participate in many outdoor and extra-curriculum activities and high performers are always appreciated and nurtured further along with the education. Once admitted to a US university, you have to be aware of the strict rules and policies in the universities that might be very unfamiliar to you and much different from what you are used to in your home educational system.

Student visas have strict limitations about period of stay, opportunities to work during the studies and after that, which have to be followed carefully.

However, the flexibility of the American educational system is one of the best in the world. Students have a variety of choices for what subjects to study. There are many options available in every particular field of interest.

You can get advice from the International Students office or the Admissions Office in your university.

One of the major disadvantages of US education is the high costs of study, which are rising every year. Additionally, there are fluctuating standards of education, because each state follows a different curriculum of courses.

Education in the USA is challenging and competitive and students very often may feel lonely due to the long distances from their homes.

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Бълхгария CaNada FaCts capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

Ottawa English, French several indigenous languages 35 344 962 9 984 670 km2 Canadian dollar (CAD) temperate to polar/sub-polar

duration

useFul Websites www.cicic.ca www.scholarships.gc.ca www.canada-city.ca www.studycanada.ca

Master’s degree programs last 1-2 years. It is possible, although rare, that the programs last longer – 2.5 or 3 years, mostly depending on the bachelor’s degree, which you apply with.

in the program. In most universities the courses begin in September. This means that your documentation must be submitted till January at latest.

There are also master’s degree programs which use a rolling admission.

In other words – they accept documents continuously.

language

tuition Fees

Education in Canada is taught in English and French – the two official languages in the country. While English dominates public life in all provinces except Quebec, French is also ubiquitously used in education. The multilingual nature of Canada is an important part of their national identity.

Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, offering a diverse variety of experiences and opportunities in a country known for its vast expanses, multicultural cities and natural beauty. If you want to study in Canada, the good news is that tuition fees are generally less expensive than in other major Anglophone destinations (the US, UK and Australia), although they are still quite high in comparison to other countries.

language CertiFiCates Depending on the educational language in the concrete program, you could present any of the most common English and French language certificates: TOEFL, IELTS and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL; DELF (Diplôme d© Etudes en Langue Franç aise), DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Franç aise), Test de connaissance du franç ais (TCF), C.C.I.P. examinations. The preferable English certificate from the Canadian higher school institutions is the TOEFL.

adMission reQuireMents Applying for a masters’ degree in Canada is done by sending your documentation over. Among the necessary conditions is to submit a translated and legalized bachelor’s degree diploma, academical reference and a language certificate.

The good Canadian universities are highly selective in their admission.

You will need very high grades from the diploma and very good results from the language certificate. For some programs you will need letters of recommendation, a cover letter and information about your professional experience to be required. Each institution and each master’s degree program could have its specific requirements. Also – Canada is federal state and the various federal provinces have their own policies in education. For admission in economical and business programs you may need to do the GMAT exam.

Don’t be shy to personally contact the university, which offers the program you are interested in. This way you could be most certain that you have the right information. In fact – it can be used to your advantage. Mention these contacts in the cover letter! It shows that you have genuine interest

If you want to study at postgraduate level, the tuition fees are generally higher, and again vary depending on your program. International students pay an average of 13,600 CAD for their annual tuition. As is the case worldwide, executive MBA programs are generally the most expensive, averaging around 42,000 CAD. This is roughly around 56,000 leva.

living expenses Canada is generally not a very cheap country to live in. Mercer© s 2014 Cost of Living report, which measures the comparative cost of items in each city (including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment) has ranked Vancouver as the 5th most expensive city in the world, followed by Ottawa (14th), Toronto (15th) and Montreal (23rd).

However, expats will still find these cities to be very livable thanks to the fact that Canada does provide substantial support towards the cost of health insurance and education at public schools. It is important to note however that there are differences in incomes between cities, provinces, and of course, sectors.

Funding options Canadian Universities offer scholarships. Once you have established a contact with the International Students Recruitment Department for the program, you are interested in, you should check if this opportunity exists. You could also browse this website for more information: www. scholarshipscanada.com.

Usually the subsidies come in the form of deductions from the tuition fees, instead of cash money. Some scholarships cover the costs of living and accommodations at least partially, though you shouldn’t bet your entire budget on them.

You could also work during your studies. It may be challenging to combine the two efficiently and you will need to speak at least some basic French to get a better paid job. But still – the opportunities are good, the Canadian economy is strong and there is no reason not to try.

pros and Cons Canada has long been a welcoming country for expats wanting to forge a new life abroad. The government’s comparatively open immigration policy is widely publicized, and the country itself was initially built by immigrants; at one point one in six Canadians was born outside of Canadian borders.

Similarly, skills shortages in many industries continue to emphasize the need to attract foreign workers to the nation, and in order to continue with economic growth even unskilled temporary migrant works are becoming essential.

When compared to the United States, Canada is often referred to as the “mosaic” country. Unlike the “melting pot” of America, where all nations blend in and lose their separate identities, the different migrant groups in Canada hold on to their roots. For example there are entire villages speaking Ukrainian in Western Canada, Scots in Newfoundland, Chinese in Vancouver and so on.

Living in Canada has its disadvantages as well. Travelling to and from Bulgaria will cost you a substantial amount of time and money.

And travelling within the country isn’t much better either. The major settlements are located very far away from each, which makes communications, travel and tourism difficult.

Adapting to the new climate will also be a challenge for most Bulgarians.

It’s not all a barren polar landscape… but a lot of it is. And winters do get really cold even in southern areas.

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Centennial College

contacts

InstItutIonal presentatIon

941 Progress Ave Toronto M1K 5E9 416-289-5000, ext. 3316 416 289 5352 Melida Renkwitz, Recruitment Manager: mrenkwitz@ centennialcollege.ca www.centennialcollege.ca

Centennial College is the first government-accredited college in Ontario, Canada. Centennial has five campuses and eight specialized academic schools in Toronto, offering post-secondary, post-graduate and fast-track programs in Business, Engineering Technology and Applied Science, Communications, Media and Design, Health and Community studies, Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Transportation, as well as English Language Learning (ELL) and foundations programs.

Master's prograMs

MBA Pathways available through University Partners

Centennial is known to be one of the most culturally diverse postsecondary education institutions in Canada. As a recognized leader in International Education, International students at Centennial are well supported as they transition to studying, working and living in Canada. International students may work in Canada after graduation for 1-3 years!

student Body

Master prograM Info

Master in International Business Development

MBa prograMs

Number of International Students 2015-2016 Postgraduate MBA

Average age of the students

5,000 international students from 134 countries (26% of enrolment) 1,857 20 current Master in International Business Development (MAIB) students 18-30 (Average total Enrolment: Post-Secondary and Post-Graduate)

scholarshIps or fInancIal aId • Master in International Business Development (MAIB) Applicants are automatically considered for one of the 10 Available MAIB Scholarships!

• 5 Scholarships of 7,600,00 EUR granted by Fondazione Cariplo to participants • 5 Scholarships of € 5,000,00 EUR granted by Fondazione Cariplo to participants

MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (MAIB) is a joint program in partnership with three leading international institutions: University of Milano-Bicocca (Milan, Italy), Alliance University (Bangalore, India), and Centennial College (Toronto, Canada). MAIB Master Program Offers: First level Master Degree from University of Milano-Bicocca • Ontario College Graduate Certificate from Centennial College • Internship Semester in Canada, Italy or India •Opportunity for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit • 2 Credentials, 3 Countries, 15 Months!

• Optional MBA Degree from Alliance Business School with additional study period of 4 months.

accredItatIon The Canadian education system is standardized by the government - ensuring exceptional quality of academic programs at all government accredited post-secondary institutions, such as Centennial College. As a recognized Ontario College, all programs

meet strict educational standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

rankIng Canadian Institutions are standardized by government and therefore not ranked in relation to each other. All institutions must meet the same high standards for Canadian Academic Programs.

type Full-time/part time/online/other.

adMIssIon requIreMents Univertsity Degree Language Proficiency

Working experience University Entrance Exams Application form Application deadlines

Bachelor/Master Degree for Post-Graduate Programs One of the following English Proficiency Tests is required: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English, ITEP (International Test of English Proficiency), Or Centennial College English Assessment Test Work Experience is an asset, but not required.

Centennial College Assessment Test for Placement Purposes Online Admissions Procedure and Application form: www.centennialcollege.ca/admissions/international-education/admissions/how-to-apply/ Start Dates include May, September and January.

Apply approximately 3 months before your expected start date.

tuItIon and fees (annual) Currency Tuition Other fees Residence Transportation

CAD: (Diploma/Graduate Certificate/ Degree)/ EUR: MAIB Master in International Business Development 14,647 CAD (Diploma/Graduate Certificate Programs / 18,060,00 CAD (Degree Programs) / Joint Master Program: 15,000 CAD (3 semesters) + Optional Internship Semester in Toronto: 3 500 EUR Cost of Living is approximately 10,000-12,000 CAD per year.

(Includes housing, food, transportation) Approximatly 9,000 CAD per year (12 months) 1,344 CAD per year (112 CAD per month for TTC Student Metro Pass)

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Бълхгария ausTria FaCts capital Vienna official language German regional languages Croatian, Hungarian, Slovenian population 8 573 000 area 83 855 km2 currency Euro (EUR) climate Alpine/ temperate

duration Master’s degrees programs last for the most part 2 years (4 semesters).

language The master’s degree programs are offered in German and in English.

Though it should be noted that there are fewer English-language programs than countries like the Netherlands or Denmark. The educational system in Austria is not as reliant on international students.

The main native language of Austria outside Vorarlberg is Austro-Bavarian, which is spoken using many different dialects. The northern parts of Austria (including Vienna, the capital) speak Central Austro-Bavarian dialects and the southern parts Southern Austro-Bavarian dialects. Austro-Bavarian differs heavily from high German, making it hard for German speakers of different regions to understand the native population.

language CertiFiCates Depending on the language of instruction in the master’s degree program, you will have to present a document, verifying the level of competence.

Of course this won’t be necessary if you have completed a bachelor’s degree in German language. The higher educational institutions recognize each of the most popular German certificates - TestDaf, DSH (Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang), DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), Zentrale Oberstufenprufung (ZOP). The English TOEFL, IELTS and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL are also used to certify your knowledge in English.

You should have C1 (or at least B2) as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This means that you should be fairly proficient and be able to understand complex academic texts.

adMission reQuireMents The EU-citizens apply on an equal footing with the Austrian candidates.

For admission in master’s degree program in Austrian higher educational institution, you have to present a copy of your passport (or ID card), application form from the respective institution, bachelor’s degree diploma, language certificate and medicine certificate.

The required documents have to be translated into German or English language and legalized. Documents are acceptable until 1st September

useFul Websites

www.studyguide.at www.studienwahl.at www.housing.oead.at www.grants.at

for the winter semester’s reception and until 1st February for the summer semester. Some private universities use the so-called “rolling admission”.

In other words – they accept documents all year round.

tuition Fees For Austrian students and students who have the same status as Austrians (i.e. nationals of all EU and EEA member countries) and who have not exceeded the minimum duration of their study program plus two semesters no fee is payable.

For all other students, including stateless persons and those with unclear nationality: 363.36 EUR per semester.

An exemption from paying tuition fees is possible in special cases (e.g. for participants in exchange programs and university partnerships, students from the least developed countries). Students from other developing countries and Central and Eastern European reform countries may be exempted or apply for a full or partial refund of the tuition fees according to the universities’ own rules. Further information is available at www. oead.at/studienbeitrag.

living expenses Austria is well developed and organized state. The total allowance you will need per month is up to 800–1000 Euro. In this sum are included: rent and consummative - 300 Euro, food - 200 Euro, educational materials and other expenses - 300 Euro. Those are all optimistic, but manageable numbers. Student life is not limited to the lectures. Austrian universities typically have extensive campuses, where students can visit cafe’s, sports facilities and libraries. They also receive discounts for the public transport and some services. All in all – it’s good to be a student in Austria.

The quality of life is generally very high in Austria. With a thriving economy, a stable political system, Austria© s beautiful countryside (including the Austrian Alps with their majestic beauty) and its cultural diversity, all contribute to a high-quality lifestyle for locals and tourists alike. Austria© s capital Vienna ranks as one of the most attractive cities worldwide. The subjective feeling of well-being attested to by locals and tourists alike has been repeatedly attested to by leading international studies and city rankings.

Funding options Because of the lack of tuition fees for students from EU-countries, there are very few scholarships available and they refer to specific programs.

The government scholarships in the republic are in most cases for doctorates. At this web address (www.grants.at) you could search for options for financial support during the study in Austrian universities.

The website grants.at is Austria’s biggest online database for scholarships and research grants for all academic areas. Financial support options for students, graduates and researchers range from classical grants and scholarships, allowances and prizes to extensive national, European and international research support programmes.

pros and Cons Austria is well organized and prosperous country, where the living expenses are bearable, and the education in public institutions is free.

The official language is German, or to be more precise - “Hochdeutsch”, which is also spoken in neighboring Germany. But you will be surprised to hear the locals speaking an unintelligible dialect. The Austro-Bavarian dialect is widely spoken in rural areas and by older people, which can complicate the communication.

Austria is not considered to be one of the top destinations for international students. That explains why the majority of programs are in German. That doesn’t make them bad, though. Quite the opposite – they are more prestigious and internationally recognizable than Bulgarian ones, for example.

Austria is one of the richest countries in the world, with a nominal per capita GDP of $43,546. The country has developed a high standard of living and in 2014 was ranked 21st in the world for its Human Development Index. Austria has been a member of the United Nations since 1955, joined the European Union in 1995, and is a founder of the OECD. Austria also signed the Schengen Agreement in 1995, and adopted the euro currency in 1999.

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Бълхгария gerMaNy FaCts capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

Berlin German Danish, Frisian 80 585 700 357 168 km2 Euro (EUR) temperate

duration Master’s degrees programs take 2 years to complete.

language In Germany master’s degree programs are offered in German and English.

It is possible to also find programs available in French, Dutch, Russian and Spanish, based on partnership agreements with other universities.

language CertiFiCates Whether you choose to start your education, you will have to present a document, verifying the level of competence. Of course this won’t be necessary if you have graduated bachelor’s degree in German language. The higher educational institutions recognize each of the most popular German certificates - TestDaf, DSH (Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang), DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), Zentrale Oberstufenprufung (ZOP) and Goethe Institute. The English TOEFL, IELTS and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL are also recognized.

adMission reQuireMents The applicants for a master’s degree in Germany can apply directly to the universities they are interested in, or via the centralized platform Uni-assist.

The core task of Uni-assist is the evaluation of international school/ university certificates. Uni-assist examines if the submitted school/ university certificates are equivalent to German school/ university degrees, i.e. whether they qualify in principle for admission to university studies in Germany. Additionally, German universities can entrust Uni-assist with the evaluation of further criteria which are subject to preliminary examination.

In the event of a positive examination result, Uni-assist forwards the application electronically to the university.

The higher educational institutions offer about 600 international master’s degree programs. It is necessary to have translated and legalized bachelor’s degree diploma and a language certificate for the respective educational language. There is also a possibility that you will have to present two letters of recommendation, especially for programs in the field of economics and business.

tuition Fees Germany consists of 16 federal states which all have their own, independent education policy. For this reason, tuition fees are different,

useFul Websites www.studentenwerk.de www.studivz.net www.hochschulkompass.hrk.de www.campus-germany.de

dependending on the state you are going to study in, and also on the university.

Generally, tuition fees in Germany are lower compared to other countries.

They range from 100 to 2,000 EUR per year. German universities do not distinguish between students within or outside of the EU/EEA. Regardless of their origin, local and international students pay the same fee! The tuition fee (if there is any) usually consists of two parts. The Studiengebühren is the actual tuition fees. It is abolished for bachelor studies everywhere now, but may still add up to about 500 EUR for master’s degree.

Additional to this tuition fee, a Semesterbeitrag is charged which includes administration fees as well as fees for the General Students Committee (AStA), the Studentenwerk (responsible for student residences and cafeterias) and often a (mostly obligatory) semester ticket for public transport in the city (and sometimes the region) around the university.

living expenses The cost of living in Germany is generally high, but near average for Western European countries. Obviously, students in major cities will have higher living costs than they would in more rural areas.

Accommodation prices range depending on the neighbourhood and the size and type of their accommodation (flat-share, apartment or house). It is not uncommon for students to live in a so called “Wohngemeinschaft”. In other words – they share a house or a flat to reduce their expenses.

Trains are often the fastest and most efficient way to get around. Travelling on the InterCity Express trains tends to be more expensive, while regular InterCity trains provide a cheaper alternative.

Funding options The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers many scholarships for international students to study in Germany at various degree levels. You should also check www.mystipendium.de for further scholarship options. You should know that the competition for them is fierce and you shouldn’t plan your whole budget on the prospect. Students from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) have free access to the German job market and are practically equivalent to German students. International students from other countries can work a total of

120 full or 240 half days per year.

If you want to work more, you need a permit from the "Agentur fßr Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) and the foreignersŠ authority. Whether you are issued a work permit largely depends on the condition of the local job market. You are less likely to receive a permit to work more than 120 days in regions with higher unemployment rates.

pros and Cons Germany is one of the top educational destinations and disposes with world-class higher school institutions. Living in Germany does not mean that fun is thrown to the wayside. To the contrary, Germans are a surprisingly fun-loving bunch. Depending on the region your expat adventure takes you to, there are a multitude of festivals and holidays to prove the stereotype of the dull, prosaic, uptight German wrong.

Germany is the birthplace of famous composers like Bach, van Beethoven, and Wagner as well as literary geniuses such as Brecht, Goethe, and the Mann family. Like them, students in Germany might even be inspired to create something new.

There is one significant downside to life in Germany, that Bulgarians will have a tough time dealing with. Grocery stores, drug stores, and shopping malls are all closing up shop by 7pm (8pm at the latest). The smaller the town, the earlier the closing times. And if itŠ s Sunday, you might as well just stay inside your house, because most shops will be closed regardless.

Restaurants are the only exception to this rule.

More useFul Websites www.daad.de www.dashochschulranking.de www.zvs.de www.uni-assist.de www.mystipendium.de

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Бълхгария greaT briTaiN FaCts capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

London English Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Cornish 65 006 092 242 495 km2 British pound (GBP) temperate maritime

duration Master’s degree programs last 1-2 years. It is possible that the education stretches till 3-3.5 years, depending on whether you study full or part time or combine both options.

language English language.

language CertiFiCates You can certify the level of command of English with any of the popular certificates TOEFEL, IELTS and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL. The preferred certificates from the higher educational institutions are IELTS and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL.

adMission reQuireMents The admission requirements could vary according to each university and each separate program. A necessary condition is the presence of a bachelor’s degree diploma and a certification of the language’s level of command, which must be higher of that for a bachelor’s degree.

The applying process is done directly between the candidates and the chosen institution. It’s also an option to apply centralized through the directory of UCAS for master’s degree programs (www.ukpass.ac.uk).

Each higher educational institution estimates on its own if your diploma has the necessary legitimacy for access to the education in a master’s degree program. You can initiate the application procedure even before the reception of your bachelor’s degree diploma by sending translated into English and legalized transcript with the taken units, grades and obtained credit, and to send your diploma later on.

You have to be ready to send letters of recommendation from lecturers and a cover letter, if necessary. Sometimes part of the tuition fee has to be paid before or during the enrolling procedure after you have been approved for it.

The deadlines for the applications are also different in each institution and according to the different programs. In order for you to start the academic year in October, you have to send your application documents in May or June. The sooner, the better and remember that usually free places are limited.

tuition Fees The fees in the public higher educational institutions for a year in a master’s degree program are mostly between 5,000 and 9,000 GBP. The

useFul Websites www.ucas.com www.educationuk.org www.ucas.tv ww.britishcouncil.bg

private ones could overreach this sum several times. The application fees are most frequently around 50 and 100 GBP. The majority of foreign students apply for tuition fee loans, which provide you with up to 9,000 GBP (6,000 GBP for a private program provider).

These student loans are paid directly to the university and you don’t have to pay the money back until after you finish the course and when you start earning above a certain level of income.

living expenses The countries in the United Kingdom have a significantly high living standard and are among the best developed in the world. It is recommendable to dispose with a sum of 600 to 1,000 GBP to cover your monthly expenses. This amount varies between areas: living in London is much more expensive than in the other cities. It’s a common practice for students to share an apartment or a house as in this case 200-300 GBP per person are enough to provide for the rent. It is estimated that the average annual cost of living in the United Kingdom outside of London for students can be up to 12,000 GBP, including 3,000-4,000 GBP for rent, 2,000 GBP for food, 400 GBP for household maintenance, 50 GBP for insurance, 2,000 GBP for personal items, 1,500 GBP for travel and around 1,000 GBP for leisure expenses.

Those who pursue a master’s degree in Great Britain are allowed to work. However, this option could be prohibited or limited, if the student is dependent on a partial or a full scholarship.

Funding options The higher educational institutions in Great Britain grant scholarships.

Always send a request to the chosen institution to provide you with all options for funding your study. Students in master’s degree programs could refer to the higher educational institutions or to foundations for scholarships.

They also have the opportunity to combine their studies with work or to apply for a loan. If you start a full-time or part-time master’s course after 1st August 2016 you can apply for a postgraduate loan, which is government-based and can be up to 10,000 GBP. This sum can help pay your fees and living costs. The postgraduate loan is intended for English students, but there is an exception for European Union students, who are

eligible if they’ve been residents of the EU for at least three years for a reason different than study.

These loans will be available from the 2016/17 academic year and the application process starts at the beginning of August 2016.

There are some other funding options, including prominent UK scholarships for international students. The Education UK website (educationuk.org) provides a database with more than 3,000 scholarships.

For example, you can apply for a Chevening Scholarship, which is granted by the government and is open to students from around the world with strong leadership potential who are willing to study their master’s degree at accredited UK universities.

pros and Cons The United Kingdom is a top educational destination with universities of highest class and best quality of teaching. UK education is acknowledged by employers, universities and governments worldwide. This means that your diploma is going to be with significant prestige and recognition not only in Europe, but in the whole world. After graduation an international student is very much likely to get a well-paid job. UK is also an exciting country with a multicultural environment, which will provide you with a thrilling experience.

There is a mix of cosmopolitan cities, historical landmarks and amazing events, which will keep you captivated. However, the admission in the British elite educational institutions is selective because of the excessive competition. Additionally, expenses are one of the major concerns for students who are planning to study in the United Kingdom.

The high tuition fees and the considerable living costs are not to be underestimated and they are the main burden towards following a master’s degree there. Universities are constantly trying to provide students with support both with costs and with establishing their course.

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anglia ruskin university

contacts

profIle of the InstItutIon

East Road Cambridge CB11PT +44 1245 493131 answers@anglia.ac.uk www.anglia.ac.uk

Anglia Ruskin’s story starts in 1858, when the art critic, patron and philanthropist John Ruskin opened Cambridge School of Art. The art school grew to become Anglia Ruskin University, and it’s still at the heart of our modern-day campus in Cambridge.

Master's prograMs LLM International business Law LLM International commercial law MA Applied linguistics and TESOL

Today, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is an innovative global university based in East Anglia, in the cities of Cambridge and Chelmsford. Around 39,400 students from 177 countries gain qualifications with us in four continents. Each year, we also help some 2,000 businesses to grow quicker and partner with organisations to deliver a spectrum of educational and commercial projects.

MA Creative Writing MA English Literature MA International business MA Human Resources Management MSc Accounting and Finance MSc Mechanical Engineering MSc Civil Engineering MSc Computer science MSc Tourism Management MSc Marketing MSc Clinical Child Psychology MSc ResearcH Methods in Psychology MSc Cloud Computing Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience MA computer games Art MSc computer gaming technology MBA

An Anglia Ruskin graduate has a nine out of ten chance of getting a job, a better chance than most other graduates of securing a permanent job, and is likely to beat the average graduate salary – all within six months of leaving us. In addition many of our courses are recognised by industry. A large number are professionally accredited.

prograMs We have over 100 postgraduate courses including MSc, MA, PhD and more. For the second successive year, our courses are rated among the most intellectually stimulating in the country, our lecturers among the most enthusiastic and interesting, and our students among the most confident. Businesses come back to us for interns, training, research and collaborative programmes.

accredItatIon Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Accredited, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Approved Centre, Member of the Association of Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE), Institute of Civil Engineers.

adMIssIon requIreMents Language Proficiency Recommendations

Application form

IELTS 6.5 overall, CAE (grade C over 180), 2 reccomendation letters one from employer (if applicable) and one from a professor/lecturer. yes

tuItIon and fees (annual) Currency Tuition Residence

GBP 6,100-9,100 MBA - 12,900 (per year) 400-600 (per month)

scholarshIps or fInancIal aId MBA Scholarship Educational Leadership and Management - for September 2016, we are offering a 3,000 GBP discount to UK, EU and International students studying our MBA Educational Leadership and Management.

loans Postgraduate student loan (student finance http://www.slc.co.uk/).

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40

bPP university

the university for the Professions

contacts

profIle of the InstItutIon

To learn more about BPP University and register directly, please contact MDV Professional Education, Premier Member of BPP Group

Voted the UK© s Best Higher Education Provider by Education Investor Magazine in 2013, BPP University is the UK’s only university solely dedicated to business and the professions. Our programmes are designed in partnership with employers and respected professionals in the fields of law, business, finance and health. Here are some key facts about BPP University.

7 Sheynovo Str., Sofia, 1504; +359 888940493 +359 887492126 mariabankova@mdvtraining.bg www.mdvtraining.bg

Master's prograMs MSc Management /with Finance /with Project Management MSc Management /with Finance /with Project Management Plus Professional Development and Practice Module MSc Accounting and Finance MSc Accounting and Finance Plus Academic Career Skills Module MSc International Marketing MSc International Marketing Plus Academic Career Skills Module MSc Health Psychology MSc Occupational Psychology MSc Healthcare Leadership MSc Chiropractic (Paediatrics) International MBA LLM programmes: • Commercial Law • Financial Regulation and Compliance • International Business Law • Comparative Commercial Law • International and Comparative Tax Law • Trans-national Criminal Justice • Chinese Investment and Business Law, • Islamic Finance and Business Law • Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

• 50 leading law firms send their trainees exclusively to BPP Law School, some of them are Eversheds, Freshfields and others.

• The BPP Group, incorporating BPP University, has trained twothirds of all accountants in England and Wales at some point in their career.

• BPP is the only training provider with ACCA Platinum approval for both student tuition and study materials.

tutors Our tutors, most of whom have real-world practitioner experience, will not only ensure you have the practical skills and academic knowledge needed for success, but that you also have the competitive edge that makes you stand out. BPP tutors bring realworld knowledge and experience into the classroom and teach students to become the solicitors, accountants, business people and healthcare professionals of tomorrow.

prograMs BPP University is the professional university for career focused students. The programmes are designed in partnership with employers and respected professionals in the fields of law, business, finance and health. Amongst the employers we work with are Lloyds Banking Group, Simmons & Simmons, Barclay© s, KPMG, Freshfields, Eversheds, Reed Smith, Slaughter and May and others.

locatIons International students will be reassured to learn that we have a diverse and multicultural study environment with students from over 100 countries.

We are proud of our integrated, multicultural community and welcome students from all over the world to study in the UK’s most exciting cities: • London • Birmingham • Manchester • Liverpool • Leeds • Bristol and Abingdon (near Oxford).

InternatIonal MBa The iMBA truly is an international programme with students from across the globe coming to expand their career options and develop their skills. Based in our London Business School, students will also have access to extensive career service and take advantage of our great links with Business including Lloyds Banking Group, Simmons & Simmons, Barclay’s, KPMG and others.

• Practitioner-based learning experience • Professional tutors with experience from Fortune 500 organisations and private enterprise • Earn a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) level 7 Certificate at the same time as your MBA.

type Full-time

student Body Students

11,000

adMIssIon requIreMents

tuItIon and fees (annual)

University Degree Language Proficiency

Currency Tuition

Recommendations Working experience University Entrance Exams Application form

Bachelor/Master IELTS min. 6 + Min GPA 4.5 (Scale from 2 to 6) 2 recommendations required Min. 2 years for International MBA program IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, The university offers internal language exam.

Online application form

GBP 6,000 per year for bachelor programs 8,000 to 12,000 for master programs 11,000 for International MBA 3,000 for Summer Programs

scholarshIps or fInancIal aId Contact the university directly for details on available scholarship programs.

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Middlesex university

contacts

profIle of the InstItutIon

The Burroughs, Hendon London NW4 4BT + 44 20 8411 5555 eu-enquiries@mdx.ac.uk www.mdx.ac.uk

A world-class centre for education and research with a 130 year heritage, Middlesex prepares its students to succeed in the competitive global job market.

The university’s academics keep close to industry, and are committed to preparing you for career success, which is why Middlesex is ranked among the top UK universities for graduate salaries.

Master's prograMs

The state-of-the-art campus in London, is one of the biggest in the capital so you’ll have everything you need in one place. The campus also has a real community feel as you join talented and ambitious students from all corners of the globe.

Accounting Business TourismHR Arts and Design Performing Arts Computing Engineering Social Sciences Technology Psychology Media Journalism Sports and Exercise Sciences Film Healthcare Biology and Biomedical Sciences Education Law

The School of Art and Design at Middlesex University is an exciting creative community, led by professional artists, designers and thinkers, who inspire and challenge our students in a friendly, inclusive and highly enjoyable artistic environment.

Middlesex University Business School is one of the leading providers of business and management education and development in the United Kingdom, and a leading destination for students from around the globe. Our courses develop professionals who can manage ethically, sensitively and holistically in a range of organisations in an increasingly global and rapidly changing environment. The School of Health and Education at Middlesex University offers exciting and wide-ranging courses in education and teaching, health and social work focusing on supporting students and academics to achieve their full potential and make a difference in the world – whether they are developing knowledge, applying new skills in a practical way or undertaking research that has a real, beneficial impact on society.

Internationally recognised for our innovative approach to teaching, The School of Law at Middlesex University, brings together a range of diverse subjects and develops multi-skilled professionals who strive for social justice. From politics to policing, criminology to sociology, and through the lens of law and development, we explore the factors that inhibit equality of opportunity and impact the human experience.

The School of Media and Performing Arts at Middlesex University underpins teaching by scholarship, innovative pedagogy, and leading research of national and international significance.

In a broad and exciting portfolio of programmes ranging from English Language to Dance, we emphasise creativity, practical experience and the interrelation of practice and theory alongside the development of high level specialist and transferable skills, preparing graduates for work in the contemporary creative industries.

adMIssIon requIreMents Educational Background Language Proficiency Recommendations Working experience University Entrance Exams Application form Application deadlines

Bachelor degree with at least an overal gpa of 4 or better TOEFL, IELTS Two. One must be academic reference for MBA at least two year managerial working expenrience list Online via our website by end of July

tuItIon and fees (annual) Currency Tuition Residence

GBP from 7,00-12,000 except of MBA 14,500 140-240 per week

scholarshIps or fInancIal aId We have a variety of scholarships we offer to PG students. More information can be found at http://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/ postgraduate-funding.

loans Yes

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FraNCe FaCts capital Paris official language French regional languages German, Basque, Catalan population 64 595 042 area 643 801 km2 currency Euro (EUR) climate temperate

useFul Websites

www.campusfrance.org www.institutfrancais.bg www.admission-postbac.fr www.caf.fr

duration Master’s degree programs in France are usually 2 years (4 semesters) after undergraduate studies (Licence degree or equivalent). At the master© s level, two paths are possible. Students who choose a "research" master (formerly known as the DEA) typically intend to further study at PhD level, whereas those who elect a "professional" master (formerly DESS) want to begin their careers directly after graduation. Long programs in the grandes écoles represent 5 years of postsecondary study, starting with 2 years of preparation within the grande école or in a preparatory class at high school.

language French is the language of instruction for the majority of the programs in France. There are about 350 master’s degree programs taught in English out of 600 in all disciplines from the Licence to the doctoral level (incl. summer courses). Applicants for MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs can find some of the best programs globally in France with instruction in English.

language CertiFiCates Students must meet the French language proficiency standards, set by each individual educational institution. Even for programs taught in English, institutions may require applicants to demonstrate a minimum level of French language knowledge. The DALF examination certifies a higher level of proficiency in comparison to DELF.

adMission reQuireMents The application for master’s degree in a French higher educational institution is comprised by a translated and legalized bachelor’s degree diploma from a recognizable in France univesity, as well as a translated in French and legalized copy of the birth certificate or a personal identity document. Only the institution you apply for has the right to acknowledge your educational level. The additional requirements are strictly individual in each unversity and they could also be different for each separate program.

The language level of is proven by the well-known and internationally recognized certificates: for French diplomas DELF or DALF and for English - TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge ESOL. Do not send the originals of your documents, but only copies. The originals are presented at the enrollment procedure. You should contact the chosen institution in the beginning of the year and make sure that your documentation is sent by the end of April. In case you still have not obtained your bachelor’s degree – send a transcript.

The universities answer to the applicants from June to September.

tuition Fees French pubic higher education institutions charge annual tuition of 262 EUR for master’s programs. The annual fee for engineering programs is

550 EUR. In addition to these basic charges, students may have to pay additional fees for specific services or special programs. The average tuition fee in private universities in France is between 1,500 and 6,000 EUR per year. Business schools are even more expensive and an annual tuition fee may be more than 50,000 EUR.

living expenses Living expenses vary according to the location of the university. Account for about 1,000 EUR per month including rent. Student residence halls are available through CNOUS - Centre national des oeuvres universitaires et scolaires, at 120–300 EUR per month. Access to CNOUS residence halls is highly competitive, especially in Paris. Renting a private flat costs about 15 EUR/m² in Paris and 7 EUR/m² in the rest of the country. Rooms and studios in private residence hall are also available for up to 700 EUR per month.

Funding options Graduate students may work to support their studies. However, working is only allowed part-time of up to 60% of the regular working hours in France. Part-time work cannot fully support you stay and studies. Some grants and scholarships may be available on a competitive basis from universities, governmental and other institutions. For details contact the local Institut Francais, the Ministry of Education and the university which you are applying for.

pros and Cons France is a culturally diverse country with the majority of programs taught in French. However, there is also a significant number of master’s programs, offered in English. Although tuition fees at public universities are very reasonable, private and especially business schools may require a considerable investment in tuition fees.

All in all, some of the best European and world universities are situated in France.

deNMark FaCts capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

Copenhagen Danish German 5 707 251 43 094 km2 Euro (EUR) temperate/ oceanic

useFul Websites www.studyindenmark.dk www.ciriusonline.dk www.ec.europa.eu

duration Master’s degree programs in Denmark last 2 years.

language Master’s degree programs are offered mostly in Danish and English language.

language CertiFiCates Depending on the language of tuition, its proficiency has to be certified.

Higher educational institutions recognize language certificates IELTS, TOEFL and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL, and most commonly IELTS or TOEFL are required from the candidates. For master’s degree programs, taught in Danish, the candidates sit for an intern exam in Danish as a foreign language - Danish as a Foreign Language (Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog), Danish Test 2 (Danskprøve 2) or Danish Test 3 (Danskprøve 3). The courses in Danish could be taken in almost every higher educational institution.

adMission reQuireMents The application in master’s degree program in Danish higher educational institution is done by documentation, sent directly to the universities.

They present thoroughly on their websites all the admission requirements for each concrete program. In general the requirements are separated in three parts: obligatory, specific and language. It’s a must to have a bachelor’s degree diploma (if it’s necessary – in a similar field), which the institution recognizes. The additional specific requirements could be different according to the program and the institution: minimum results from the diploma, certain notes in some subjects, cover letter, recommendations. The language requirements are for a certificate, verifying the proficiency in Danish or English language. The documentation you submit in Danish higher educational institutions has to be translated in English and legalized as copies of the originals, because it is not returnable. The academic year is separated into 2 semesters, which begin respectively on 1st of September and 1st of February. Usually on these dates the master’s degree programs start as well. The dead line for the application of the documentation depends on the institution itself and it is good to turn to it about that.

students in on-campus hostels. That is why finding an accommodation with bearable rent is a constant problem and it is good to start looking as soon as possible. Students often share a rent of an apartment or a house, in which a separate room with living consumptions costs about 400-500 euro per month. For covering all the monthly expenses, it is recommendable for the students to have at least 1 100 euro. EU-citizens have no limit to work in Denmark.

Funding options As the education is free, logically there are no scholarships for EU-students for the master’s degree programs. By rule the loosen scholarships in the Danish higher educational system are administrated by the higher schools, which have the full power to order them. This is why it is recommended that the applicant refers to the respective institution for information all options for financial help.

pros and Cons The Danish higher education is modern, with good quality and clear practice orientation. The academic environment in the universities and the living conditions in the country as well are excellent. The free education for EU-citizens is a serious advantage, and the minuses come from the high living standard, the difficulties by finding an accommodation and the fact that Danish higher educational institutions are not from the most prestigious in the world.

tuition Fees The education for master’s degree in Danish public higher educational institutions is fee-free for citizens from the EU-countries.

living expenses Denmark is among the countries with the highest living standard, and the higher educational institutions have no possibilities to accommodate

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iTaLy FaCts capital Rome official language Italian regional languages German, French, Slovenian population 59 800 099 area 301 338 km2 currency Euro (EUR) climate mediterranean

useFul Websites

www.study-in-italy.it www.iicsofia.esteri.it

duration The education for master’s degree programs is conducted in the second cycle of the university education in Italy (“Laurea specialistica” or “Laurea magistrale”). Master Universitario di 1 livello and Master Universitario di 2 livello are acquired after 1-2 years of education; Dottore Magistrale, Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) are degrees, which are obtained after graduating from the 2-years master’s degree programs.

language Master’s degree programs are offered in the most part in Italian and rarely in English language.

language CertiFiCates The Italian language certificates CELI and CILS are used to verify the level of command of the language while applying for master’s degree program in Italian. The English language certificates IELTS, TOEFL and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL are required when applying for a master’s degree program in English.

adMission reQuireMents The public higher educational institutions in Italy are totally independent and each of them defines the admission requirements, the recognition of diplomas, and the run of the study process by itself. It is recommendable to specify the required documents with each university you have chosen to apply for. The standard package includes: application form, bachelor’s degree diploma (or transcript, covering the first cycle of education there), certificate for proficiency in Italian or English language, depending on the requirement of the institution, recommendations, cover letter (translated in Italian and legalized).

The academic year begins in September/October and ends in July. The deadlines for the application of documentation are good to specify with the chosen institution. It is recommendable to have readiness to do it at least 2 months before the start of the study.

tuition Fees The fees for master’s degree programs vary widely. Tuition fees in state universities are around 2,000-3,000 EUR per year, but International programmes can require higher fees of around 5,000 EUR per year.

Private universities may charge fees of around 12,000 EUR per year.

There is also a master’s degree program, which costs about 600 EUR in the first year, and in the second – according to the financial status of the

student, it is paid between 100 and 3,000 EUR in addition. In the private institutions a MBA program or a top master’s degree program in the field of design would be worth a significantly higher amount of money.

living expenses The recommendable sum, you have to dispose with for a month, is at least 1,000 EUR. As the universities rarely have hostels, the students share a rent of an apartment or a house. The rent of a separate house or a flat varies according to its location and quadrature, but the reference value is between 400-1,000 EUR. Generally speaking, a student has to provide about 300 EUR for separate room in a shared apartment. About 6-10 EUR is a menu in a fast-food restaurant, liter milk is 1,20 EUR, 1,50 EUR is a single ticket for metro in Rome and Milan and a ticket for cinema – 7,50 EUR. The EU-citizens can work in Italy without a special permission.

Funding options It is recommended that you establish a contact with the chosen higher educational institution. Scholarships for master’s degree programs are granted based on academic performance, as well as on social status.

pros and Cons Italy is an excellent place for tourism and holiday, as well as a top educational destination in the field of fashion and design. However, with almost no exceptions the higher educational institutions do not provide student hostels, the universities are not among the most prestigious in the world and there is not a considerable choice for master’s degree programs taught in English.

THe NeTHerLaNds FaCts capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

Amsterdam Dutch German, Frisian 16 819 595 41 543 km2 Euro (EUR) temperate

useFul Websites www.nuffic.nl www.grantfinder.nl info.studielink.nl

duration Master’s degree programs last 1 to 2 years.

language The main language of is instruction is of course Dutch (not to be mistaken for Danish), but there are also numerous courses in English. The higher education system in the Netherlands is oriented towards foreign and exchange students and local universities frequently present themselves on educational fairs abroad. This explains the large number of programs in English.

language CertiFiCates The English certificates IELTS and TOEFL are the most common required ones, but Cambridge ESOL certificates are also widely accepted. Of course, it is possible to meet as an admission requirement in some higher educational institutions using another English language certificate. For admission in master’s degree programs, taught in Dutch language, you can sign up in Dutch classes for foreign students, which are conducted in the most Netherlander higher educational institutions.

adMission reQuireMents For admission in a master’s degree program you must have a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t have to be in the same area, but this can count as advantage. The average language requirements for most universities are 90 points on iBT TOEFL and 6.5 on IELTS. In short – you have to be pretty fluent. You apply directly to the chosen institution with filled application form, available on the web-site of the school, bachelor’s degree diploma, language certificate, transcript and, if necessary, cover letter and recommendations. In the most popular fields of education there is a limit of the free places in master’s degree programs. The education in master’s degree programs usually starts at the beginning of each semester, i.e. on 1st September (most common) or 1st February. The dead line for the applications is usually till 1st of April or respectively 1st of September.

tuition Fees

Besides the tuition fees, also living costs are an important aspect when it comes to choose the Netherlands for your studies. Your daily expenses include food, accommodation, insurance, public transport, books, clothes, and leisure activities. Students living and studying in the Netherlands for one year spend 800-1,100 EUR per month. Student accommodation: 350-600 EUR per month. The average student living alone pays around 170 EUR per month for food.

Funding options Dutch universities provide scholarships for master’s degree programs. In section „Grantfinder” of the website www.nuffic.nl there is a data base with all the possible scholarships in the Netherlander higher educational institutions, as well as the scholarships, administrated by the Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education (Nuffic) A system of financial support has been implemented, under the form of StudentGrants or Tuition fee loans. Other financial funding concern rent support (Huurtoeslag) or support for your health insurance/care insurance (Zorgtoeslag).

pros and Cons The higher education in Netherlands is among the highest ranked in the world. 12 of the local universities are among the world Top 200 of QS World University Rankings. These institutions are internationally oriented and offer various options for education in English language. The Netherlands is a well settled country with many possibilities for entertainment during the study.

The downside of education in English in the Netherlands is, ironically, the ubiquitous use of English in the universities. It is not uncommon for students to spend to 2 or even 4 years in a Dutch university, without really learning anything in the Dutch language. This severely hinders your prospects for career development in the country.

The annual tuition fees for a master are between 8,000 and 20,000 EUR. As all around Europe, Dutch universities have implemented different tuition fees for EU/EEA students. The costs of programs and courses for non-EU students are generally higher.

living expenses The students can expect that they will fall into a real international environment, where the English language is widely used. Because of its small territory, the Netherlands are easy to travel over, and in the cities the bikes are the basic transport vehicle.

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sPaiN FaCts capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

Madrid Spanish Catalan, Basque, Galician 46 080 170 505 990 km2 Euro (EUR) mediterranean

useFul Websites www.embespbg.com www.sofia.cervantes.es www.tostudyinspain.com www.spainedu.org

duration Master’s degree programs last 10-24 months.

language The programs are offered mostly in English and Spanish language.

language CertiFiCates As there are programs both in Spanish and English, the language requirements differ according to your choice. This means that you should provide either a Spanish language certificate “Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera” (DELE) or any of the international recognized English certificates, if the program is in English. In all cases, speaking Spanish is an advantage, because they use mainly Spanish not only in the websites of the universities, but also in the everyday communication.

adMission reQuireMents The application for a place in master’s degree program is done by documentation. The first thing is to have recognized in Spain your bachelor’s degree diploma or transcript from your university in case you haven’t finished your bachelor’s degree education yet. The documents you send have to be translated into Spanish and legalized. You can fill your application forms online on the websites of the institutions. For the different master’s degree programs it might be required to have bachelor’s degree in the same or similar field, cover letter and sometimes even work experience. The academic year begins in October and as to the deadlines for the applications, you should contact the concrete school, because they might be different.

tuition Fees The fees vary in very wide range. In general the fees in master’s degree programs are between 500 and 1,000 EUR for year. In the public higher educational institutions master© s programs are usually worth 60 to 120 credits, depending if the duration of study is 1 or 2 years. The average tuition fee for one credit varies between 16 and 45 EUR. In the private elite business schools MBA programs costs thousands of euros which can reach up to 50 thousand EUR.

living expenses Spain, with its warm climate and well settled cities, is a very pleasant country for living. Life in Madrid and Barcelona is more expensive compared to the one in other student cities such as Valencia or Salamanca. The universities do not dispose with many places in the student hostels and the access to them is restricted and difficult. It’s a common practice that students split a rent for an apartment, which allows one’s to pay 200-300 EUR for living and consumables. The same amount would also be needed for food. Basically with 800 EUR per month you

could easily cover the monthly expenses. The food products are with comparable prices to ours and sometimes even cheaper. Spain is also famous with its cheerful night life – there are plenty of clubs and places to have fun at.

Funding options The universities generally offer scholarships for student in master’s degree programs. They are distributed annually and could cover the entire fee or only part of it. The requirements are the following: it’s necessary for the student to have covered a certain number of credits, to dispose with limited finances and to have high performance. There is a program for postgraduate qualification scholarships (www.becasmae.es), which also grants scholarships.

pros and Cons Spain is not an educational top destination: except from the prestigious business schools like ESADE, IE Business School, IESE Business School, EADA Business School the higher educational institutions in the country are not part of the world’s elite. On the other hand, you have the possibility to educate yourself for very acceptable, even low fees for some of the master’s degree programs and to live in a country with a warm atmosphere and affordable living standard. Although most institutions do not provide many places in a student hostel, the students are allowed to work.

sWedeN FaCts capital official language population area currency climate

Stockholm Swedish 9 658 301 449 964 km2 Swedish krone (SEK) continental to subpolar

useFul Websites www.migrationsverket.se www.studyinsweden.se www.sweden.se

duration Depending on the university and program - 1 or 2 academic years.

language The main languages of instruction are Swedish and English. This isn’t surprising for a country like Sweden. A recent survey conducted by Eurobarometer reveals that over 80% of Swedes have either good or very good knowledge of English. The language plays an important role in both secondary and tertiary education.

possible to accustom yourself and enjoy your stay in the country. Yes, the nights get quite cold and long during the winter months, but if you are lucky you will get to see the beauty of the northern lights.

Funding options Unfortunately there are very few scholarships and student loans on offer for those who want to study in the Scandinavian kingdom. However the Swedish authorities cover the tuition fees, which is - in its own right - a substantial financial commitment.

language CertiFiCates

pros and Cons

Candidates who have not completed their secondary studies in Sweden, have to be accordingly skilled in Swedish to enroll in a Swedish-speaking class. This is achievable through a one-year preparatory course. The TiSUS certificate – the principal exam for foreigners studying Swedish – validates the course.

For courses in English you will need to present one of the usual suspects – TOEFL/IELTS or one of the ESOL Cambridge certificates.

Thanks to recent improvement in the higher education system, students are allowed to arrange their own curriculum by choosing to attend different lectures on offer in the respective university.

adMission reQuireMents The necessary application documents are: • Letters of recommendation from teachers (usually two) • Information regarding academic achievements, extracurricular activities and hobbies • One or more motivational essays – topics are usually chosen by each individual university.

Swedish academic school year begins in September and is divided into two semesters. We recommend preparing all your application papers before the middle of January in order to be certain that all deadlines will be met. What is more, an early application is considered to be an advantage in the applicant ranking for many courses.

Master’s degree courses are flexible enough, so you will be able find a part time job, even though this is not a common practice among Swedish students. Most argue that education is too difficult and you need to do additional homework, so there is hardly any time for work. Also, it is important to note that some employers prefer people, who are at least familiar with the Swedish language. Our advice? We can’t really say... You have to make sure that you are capable of balancing the two.

There are some disadvantages to education in Sweden that you should note as well. It’s cold, very far away from Bulgaria (which means a lot of travelling time) and it’s an expensive place to live in.

tuition Fees Higher educational establishments do not have semester fees for Swedes, citizens of the EU and citizens of Iceland, Switzerland and Norway.

living expenses Many local websites recommend preparing a monthly budget of around 8,500 SEK. Just the rent can vary between 2,000 and 4,000 SEK. To put this into perspective – 1 SEK is roughly the equivalent of 0,21 BGN. 8,500 SEK is therefore approx. 2,000 BGN. Arguably you could do with less than what is advised by the Swedes, but still… This is a very expensive country to live in. Education abroad is not always as free as it sounds. Foreign students describe Sweden as an interesting country.

The cultural differences to Bulgaria are serious, but despite that it is still

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sWiTzerLaNd FaCts capital official language population area currency climate

Bern German, French, Italian, Romansh 8 067 817 41 285 km2 Swiss franc (CHF) temperate/ alpine

useFul Websites www.swissuniversity.ch www.educa.ch www.crus.ch www.ausbildungsbeitraege.ch www.housingforstudents.ch

duration

Funding options

Master’s degree programs last 1.5 to 2 years. Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) is one-year-program, which however does not give access to extension in PhD’s degree.

In Switzerland you can obtain a scholarship while studying in a master’s degree program. More information about that you can find at www.sbf. admin.ch, or by turning directly to your chosen institution.

language

pros and Cons

Programs in different universities are offered in German, French, English and Italian language.

In Switzerland there are excellent conditions for education and living, and some of the higher school educational institutions are of greatest world class. Another advantage is that you can choose programs in four different languages. The education, however, is not one of the easily accessible ones in its financial aspect both as fees and living costs.

You should carefully conduct a research on whether your diploma is recognized by the higher educational institution, which you apply in, and whether its diploma is recognized in Bulgaria.

language CertiFiCates Depending on the educational language in the chosen program, you could prove your knowledge with each one of the most common English, German, French and Italian language certificates or through a placement test, if the appropriate university has such one.

adMission reQuireMents Each university defines individually its admission requirements for the master’s degree program. The application is by documentation, but a necessary condition is the presence of obtained bachelor’s degree. And again the university itself decides, if the bachelor’s degree is giving direct access to the master’s degree program. Before you apply, ask the chosen institution for its station about the practicability of your bachelor’s degree diploma for the extension of your education there.

The documentation for the application should be translated and legalized.

The tuition is divided in two semesters: September-December and February-June. You will need a student visa, required for all EU students.

When applying in higher educational institution, you should present financial guarantees for you study.

tuition Fees In general, tuition fees for foreigners at public universities vary between 750 and 3,000 CHF per semester. In the private schools they can be significantly higher, especially in the MBA programs. Foreign students must also pay registration fees of approximately 50-80 EUR.

living expenses Switzerland has very high living standard. The students usually share a rent in a common apartment or a house, because the places in the student hostels are often not enough and the waiting list is too long. It’s recommendable to dispose with around 1,500 CHF monthly for rent, food and other expenses, depending on the city you choose to live in. The students are allowed to work part-time up to 15 hours per week during the terms and full-time during holidays, but only after they have lived in Switzerland for six months.

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southeastern europe

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Бълхгария buLgaria FaCts capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

Sofia Bulgarian none 7 066 814 110 994 km2 Bulgarian lev (BGN) temperate

duration Master’s degrees programs last between 1 academic year and 2 years (4 semesters) after undergraduate studies. A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent is generally required for admission to a master’s degree program in Bulgaria. Some master’s degree programs may require that the bachelor’s degree is in the same field as the intended master’s program.

However, there are programs, which are adapted to adjust the level of undergraduate degree holders from other fields. These programs may last longer or may offer some introductory courses.

Some fields of study, such as law or medicine, provide only master’s degree programs without a bachelor’s degree level.

language The majority of the master’s degree programs are offered in Bulgarian.

There are some programs offered in other languages, i.e. English, German, French or a combination of several of these languages. Many universities offer Bulgarian language courses for international students.

language CertiFiCates Depending on the language of instruction in the master’s degree program, you will have to present a document, verifying your level of language proficiency.

Higher educational institutions usually require some of the internationally recognized language certificates such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge ESOL for English proficiency; TestDaf, DSH (Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang), DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), Zentrale Oberstufenprufung (ZOP) for German proficiency; DELF and DALF for French proficiency. Some of the higher educational institutions also provide their institutional tests which the applicants may take instead of an international certificate. Most of the universities are going to demand an institutional test for proficiency in Bulgarian or advise you on the most convenient place for you to be tested.

adMission reQuireMents All citizens of the EU member countries, individuals with a temporary residence in Bulgaria, refugees and foreign citizens of Bulgarian nationality apply according to the terms and conditions for Bulgarian citizens.

useFul Websites www.minedu.government.bg www.studyabroad.bg

It is also possible to apply for admission through the Bulgarian Ministry of Education in accordance with intergovernmental agreements for educational, scientific and cultural exchange. For details, please contact the Ministry of Education in your home country, the nearest Bulgarian Embassy or the Ministry of Education in Bulgaria.

Generally, application and admission requirements for master’s degree programs include a necessary bachelor© s degree of higher education (or a master’s degree diploma). The applicant’s average grade of the diploma should not be less than the equivalent of Good 4, according to the Bulgarian grading system, or at least 72% of the maximum marks.

Application deadlines vary according to the beginning of the program, the citizenship of the applicant and the application procedures (described above). Most of the master’s degree programs begin in the fall (October) and the application process starts about 6 months in advance.

exaMs For most of the master’s degree programs there is an application examination in subjects related to the field of study. In some cases, there are additional admission interviews. For further information about the examinations please contact separately the higher educational institutions you have chosen to apply for.

tuition Fees Annual tuition fees vary considerably (between 150–7,500 EUR), depending on the citizenships of the students and the field of study.

Private universities generally have higher tuition fees than the public ones, reaching up to 5,000 EUR per academic year. Private universities generally have higher tuition fees than the public ones. Students may support their studies by governmental scholarships, bank loans for students and merit-based scholarships, provided by the universities.

living expenses The cost of living in Bulgaria is generally much lower than in the most European Union countries. Living expenses in Bulgaria vary upon the city you chose to stay in - prices in Sofia are significantly higher, especially regarding the rent costs. Roughly, living expenditures in Bulgaria are estimated to approximately 250 EUR per month. The monthly rent in a shared apartment is about 70 EUR per person. Many

Bulgarian universities offer residence halls with a monthly fee of 30 EUR. International students are obliged to pay their health insurance and personal documents, which is usually done in the beginning of their stay.

Funding options EU students can apply for Government guaranteed loans for educational expenses in Bulgarian universities. EU funding for educational exchange is also applicable while studying in Bulgaria. Some private institutions offer considerable number of scholarships and other types of student financial aid, which may considerably diminish the cost of education.

Intergovernmental agreements for educational and cultural exchange also provide support for university studies in Bulgaria – for details contact the nearest Bulgarian Embassy or the Ministry of Education in your home country. Summer internships, Erasmus exchanges, work and travel programs, part-time jobs may be available to international students, but the competition is very high.

pros and Cons Bulgaria is a pleasant county, which offers students a cheap opportunity to obtain a higher education. There is a considerable number of students, especially in the capital, and the student life is exceptionally vivid and diverse. Universities in Bulgaria are constantly adjusting towards offering programs in English, German and French. However, the majority of the programs are in Bulgarian, which may be considered as a disadvantage due to the highly competitive professional environment in which an English-based education is a prerequisite for success.

Another negative point is the fact that Bulgarian higher education is not one of the most prestigious and acknowledged in the world. However, universities and particularly private ones have a strong tendency to adapt the western type of education. Many joint programs and partnerships with foreign universities emerge and they are becoming extremely popular among students who want to acquire a high-level degree in English.

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The university of sheffield international Faculty, CiTy College

contacts Dessislava Pencheva, Country Manager 27 Tvardishki prohod Str. Fl. 8, Office 36, Sofia 1404, +359 2 961 63 63 acadreg@city.academic.gr, bulgaria1@city.academic.gr www.citycollege.sheffield.eu

Master's prograMs In thessalonIkI Business Administration and Economics Department: Banking & Finance - MSc Digital Marketing and Social Media - MA International Health Management and Leadership (online delivery) - MSc Management - MSc Management (Human Resource Management) - MSc Management (Hotel and Tourism Management) - MSc Management (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) - MSc Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations - MA Computer Science Department Advanced Software Engineering (Telecommunications) - MSc Advanced Software Engineering (Web and Mobile Applications) - MSc Advanced Software Engineering (Security) - MSc Psychology Department Clinical Neuropsychology - MA Cognitive Neuropsychology - MSc Counselling Psychology - MSc Counselling Psychology with a Practicum - MA English Studies Department Applied Linguistics with TESOL - MA

Master's prograMs In sofIa MSc in Banking & Finance MA in Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations MA in Digital Marketing and Social Media MSc in Business Management, Technology and Innovaation

Master's prograMs In Bucharest MA in Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations

profIle of the InstItutIon The University of Sheffield is one of the oldest British Universities.

It belongs to the 1% of the best universities in the world, as it is ranked within the World© s top 100 Universities and constantly amongst the top 25 universities in Europe. It was named "University of the Year" for 2011-12 by Times Higher Education.

CITY College is the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield, the only one located overseas and it is an integral part of the University. Stretched across borders, the International Faculty embraces internationalisation and gives to its students the experiences, curricula and traditions of the University. We aspire to transfer knowledge, in-depth research and academic excellence across the region through our education hubs.

prograMs With its main campus located in Thessaloniki, Greece, the International Faculty consists of four academic departments - the Business Administration & Economics Department, the Psychology Department, the Computer Science Department, the English Studies Department – and offers undergraduate, postgraduate and Research degree programs in the disciplines of Business Studies, Psychology, Computer Science and English Studies. The Faculty also offers the University’s programmes in Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia), Bucharest (Romania) and Kyiv (Ukraine).

accredItatIon British Accreditation Council (BAC), UK NARIC, British Computer Society (BCS), Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Association of MBAs (AMBA), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), British Psychological Society (BPS).

rankIng The University is rated 28th in Europe and 80th in the world in the 2015 QS World University Rankings.

type Masters: Full-time - 1 year in Thessaloniki, part-time - 2 years in Sofia and Bucharest (classes on weekends).

student Body Number of International Students 2014-2015 Postgraduate MBA Average age of the students Gender Nationality

1,200 450 250 33 40:60 Female:Male International student body from more than 20 countries.

adMIssIon requIreMents University Degree Language Proficiency

Working experience Recommendations Application fee

A bachelorŠ s degree from any discipline A fluent command of the English Language proven by TOEFL: paper based 575/ computer based 232/ Internet based 89-90 or IELTS: 6,5 or CAE (A or B) or equivalent qualifications. Applicants who do not hold formal English language qualifications and meet all other entry requirements should contact the International Faculty.

No professional exprerience required 2 recommendations - academic or/and professional 390 EUR for the program in Thessaloniki, 100 EUR for the programs in Sofia

tuItIon and fees (annual) Currency Tution in Bucharest Tution in Sofia Tution in Thessaloniki Tuition

EUR 5,880 6,860 6,800 Tuition fees vary depending on the programme and the region of delivery. Please contact our local office for more information.

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New bulgarian university NEW BULGARIAN UNIVERSITY contacts

profIle of the InstItutIon

International Relations Office 21 Montevideo Str. Sofia1618 00359 2 8110 482; 00359 2 8110 222 astoynova@nbu.bg, lavasileva@nbu.bg www.nbu.bg

As a renowned academic institution located in the capital city of Bulgaria - the New Bulgarian University provides an excellent opportunity for academics, students and researchers.

Master's prograMs American and British studies Comparative approaches (in English) South-East European Studies (in English) Strategic Leadership (in English) Cognitive Science (in English) Desktop and mobile computers (in English) Management and Development of Human Resources (full time/distance) (in English) International Business Communications (in English) Music Performance (in English) Business administration Archaeological research Finance Journalism 3.0 (online press, radio and television) Social work International Relations and Public Administration (in French)

tuItIon and fees (annual) Currency Tuition annual fee Other fees Residence Transportation Scholarships or Financial Aid Application fee Application form

EUR and BGN From 1,200 EUR to 2,700 EUR (depending on the citizenship of the applicant and the program of study) Additional courses, defence of thesis, retaking failed exams Dormitory Public transport European funding - EU scholarships 12-25 EUR Yes

For over 20 years our university has established itself as the most modern university in Bulgaria. We were the first to introduce world practices in the Bulgarian education system – the credit system (ECT), e-learning and distance learning, interdisciplinary programs, major and minor programs, continuing education, the open learning system as well as the Artes Liberales educational model.

We invest in and develop our study environment to make sure it meets and exceeds the requirements for academic research. Our campus offers a stimulating environment with modern conditions for learning combined with opportunity for cultural and social enrichment with the NBU Museum, the UniArt Gallery, the NBU CinemaClub, the Univeristy Theater NBU, the sport facilities and many others.

prograMs NBU offers a wide range of courses, minor programs, bachelor, master and Ph.D programs. The range of programs is allocated in departments.

The departments at NBU are - Anthropology, Archeology, Economics and Business Administration, Informatics, History, History of Culture, Cinema, Advertising and Show business, Cognitive Science and Psychology, Mass Communications, Medicine and Biology, Musical Art, Earth and Environmental Sciences, New Bulgarian Studies, Mediterranean and Eastern Studies, Applied Arts, Political Sciences, Law, Foreign Languages and Literature, Foreign Language Training, Theatre, Telecommunications, Philosophy and Sociology.. The research centers at NBU that have departmental status are – Center for Public Administration, Central and East European Center for Cognitive Science, South-East European Center for Semiotic Studies, Center for Social Practices and Bulgarian Center for Human Relations. Altogether there are over 60 bachelor© s programs and over 85 master© s programs.

adMIssIon requIreMents FOR MASTER'S PROGRAMS 1.

Original or notarized copy of your bachelor’s degree diploma, including the academic transcript. Please note that the copy of your bachelor’s diploma and the academic transcript must be officially legalized in the country where the degree has been obtained, then translated into Bulgarian and legalized by the Bulgarian Embassy in the same country. Countries that have signed the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents require a relatively simply process known as APOSTILLE. 2. A copy of your high school diploma, translated into English or Bulgarian (no legalization).

3. Medical certificate issued not earlier than 1 month prior to application, legalized by the respective authorities in your country, translated into Bulgarian and legalized by the Bulgarian Embassy in your country. Countries that have signed the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents require a relatively simply process known as APOSTILLE. 4. Two recent passport-size photos.

5. A copy of the first page of your passport or other identification documents with your names in Latin letters, date and place of birth.

6. Copies of all your language certificates. Applicants to programs taught in English whose first language is not English must present proof of English language proficiency.

FOR PH.D PROGRAMS Original or notarized copy of your master’s degree diploma, including the academic transcript. Please note that the copy of your master© s diploma and the academic transcript must be officially legalized in the country where the degree has been obtained, then translated into Bulgarian and legalized by the Bulgarian Embassy in the country. Countries that have signed the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents require a relatively simply process known as APOSTILLE. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

A copy of your Bachelor’s degree diploma translated into Bulgarian or English (no legalization).

A copy of your high school diploma, translated into English or Bulgarian (no legalization).

Medical certificate issued not earlier than 1 month prior to application, legalized by the authorities in your country, translated into Bulgarian and legalized by the Bulgarian Embassy. Countries that have signed the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents require a relatively simply process known as APOSTILLE. Two recent passport-size photos.

A copy of the first page of your passport or other identification documents with your names in Latin letters, date and place of birth.

Copies of all your language certificates. Applicants to programs taught in English whose first language is not English must present proof of English language proficiency.

Your dissertation proposal.

student Body Number of International Students 2013-2014

324 (Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia, Nigeria, Palestina, Turkey, Ukraine )

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VuM

contacts

profIle of the InstItutIon

149B Tsarigradsko shose Blvd.

Sofia 1784 +359 2 421-9595 office@iuc.bg www.iuc.bg www.vumk.eu

VUM is accredited as Bulgarian university by НАОА and as a British university by The British Accreditation Council. It offers British BA (Hons), MBA and other master© s programs and equivalent Bulgarian BA and master© s programs.

Master's prograMs MSc in International Hospitality and Tourism Management

MBa prograMs

The students are awarded with British degrees by Cardiff Metropolitan University, and Buogarian degrees of VUM. The programs include International Business Management, Business and Management Studies with Finance, Business Information Systems, International Hospitality Management, master© s programs such as MBA and MSc in Intertantional Hospitality and Tourism Management, and their Bulgarian equivalents.

The education is in English language in the capmuses in Varna, Dobrich and Sofia. VUM is among the best Bulgarian business universities, including for example No 261 in the TOP 1000 Business Schools in the World (www.ssrn.com), No 13 MBA program in Central and East Europe (www.ediniversal.com).

MBA

student Body Number of International Students 2015-2016

22% of the total enrollment

Postgraduate

10

MBA

50

Average age of the students

32.4

Gender ratio

56:44 Men:Women

Nationality ratio

Home students 78%, overseas 20%, other EU 2%

MBa prograM Info Standard British MBA program with two study semesters (the classes are on the Thursdays and Fridays from 6:30 pm, and on the Saturdays from 10:00 am). The third semester is for the work on the dissertation.

After the completion of the British program the student can continue for one more semester to finish the Bulgarian MBA program of VUM with a Bulgarian MBA degree.

Tuition is full-time. Classes are scheduled on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Saturdays. This allows the participants to carry out their professional duties while studying. A wide range of teaching methods are used, including presentations, seminar discussions, computer-based work, group projects, and study trips. This variety enhances the learning process and enriches the study experience.

All students are also expected to do considerable reading in order to gain additional knowledge about important management issues.

rankIng No 13 of Eduniversal in Central and Eastern Europe

accredItaIon British of British Accreditation Council and Bulgarian of НАОА

type Full-time

adMIssIon requIreMents Univertsity Degree Language Proficiency Recommendations Working experience University Entrance Exams Application form Application fee Application deadlines

Bachelor/Master IELTS 6.5 or CAE or VUM English Entry Exam 2 references 1 year No Yes No 31st August 2016

tuItIon and fees (annual) Currency Tuition

EUR 4,650

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Бълхгария greeCe FaCts capital official language population area currency climate

Athens Greek 10 816 286 131 957 km2 Euro (EUR) mediterranean

useFul Websites www.ypepth.gr www.e-yliko.gr www.iky.gr

duration

tuition Fees

Master’s degree programs typically last 1 or 2 years, depending on the university and the applicants’ previous degree.

Students from the European Union (and the European Economic Area) are exempt from paying tuition fees at public universities and colleges in Greece. However, some master© s programs do charge tuition fees. Usually this is the case with the private institutions. The fees there can vary greatly: between 5,000 and 15,000 EUR per year.

In some universities, EU/EEA students may request their textbooks free of charge as well, which certainly helps a lot. Bear in mind that some of them are quite expensive on the free market.

language The main languages of instruction for masters programs are Greek and English. There are also limited opportunities of education in German and French.

The most common foreign languages learned by Greeks are English, German, French and Italian. Russian has also become widely spoken in Greece, particularly in Greek Macedonia and other parts of Northern Greece, mainly by wealthy Russians, who settled in Greece and Russian speaking economic migrants who went there in the 1990s. Russian is also spoken as a second or third language by Pontic Greeks.

language CertiFiCates You can certify your proficiency in English with any from the popular exams - TOEFL, IELTS and the certificates of Cambridge ESOL. With regard to Greek - the universities in Greece, by rule, conduct preparatory courses for the newly accepted students. Naturally, during their places in the university are reserved while they prepare, so it doesn’t affect the educational process.

adMission reQuireMents In order to apply in a Greek university, you must provide a translation of your bachelor’s degree diploma in Greek (or English) and a language certificate. You must also provide a copy of your ID card, photographs and – in some cases – proof that you have health insurance.

Ideally, your documentation has to be sent at least two months before the beginning of the academic year. You really wouldn’t want to miss out on your opportunity to study only, because there were a problem with one your documents.

Besides the standard documents (passport, photographs, etc.), foreign students may be required to submit an affidavit of sponsorship, proof of funds, medical and police clearance certificates, academic transcripts, language certificates and documents from the host institution in Greece.

Admission to undergraduate courses and tuition are largely free, except for certain specific courses like MBAs. Meals and housing may also be provided, depending on the student’s family income and the preconditions set by each academic institution. Students are entitled to free medical care and a reduced fare on public transport.

Those wishing to attend Greek language courses are expected to pay fees, and foreign students may be required to make a financial contribution to cover the operating expenses of the study programme they are attending (the contribution is fixed by the state).

living expenses The cities of Athens and Thessaloniki house most of the educational institutions of the country have an intense cultural and academic profile.

Thessaloniki’s recognition as a cultural capital of Europe both in 1983 and 1997, certify this saying in the most typical way. Athens, the country’s capital after the 2004 Olympic Games holding, has been transformed in a European mega city with the most modern infrastructure network.

Thessaloniki, according to a New York Times survey, is among the 45 cities of the planet that people should visit. As metropolitan centers, they have attracted people of all nationalities that are fully adapted to the Greek society. Greece is considered as one of the safest countries of the world. And finally, the superb climate of Greece in accordance with the numerous monuments and the traveler’s destinations being in only a stone’s throw, make Greece the ideal place to live.

Bulgarians know Greece very well. After all, it is our neighbor – a country with a pleasant climate, good living conditions and excellent tourism opportunities. The living standard is not on the level of the west European

countries, which makes the expenses more acceptable. A rent for an apartment in Athen or Thessaloniki is averagely 300-400 EUR, and you will need at least as much for food and leisure. Therefore, it is advisable to have at least 700-800 EUR per month at your disposal, in case you live separately on free rent. The sharing of a house or apartment is a good option for reducing your expenses. Students are also allowed to work while they study, which also helps.

Funding options Higher educational institutions, which charge a fee for the master’s degree programs, often offer scholarships based on the academic achievement. However usually this means receiving a reduction of the tuition fees and not cash money. Which isn’t a bad practice – it makes sure that students use the money accordingly. Scholarships are granted periodically and by the government of Greece, as well as by some private companies.

pros and Cons Greece is certainly not renowned as a top educational destination. The universities there are not among the world’s most prestigious either. You should research carefully the accreditation of your chosen institution to be sure that its diploma is recognized in Greece, Bulgaria and internationally.

On the upside – there are English and American institutions which operate affiliates in Greece and offer the opportunity to acquire British or American diploma for smaller sum than you would have to pay in the United Kingdom or USA. The cheaper education combined with the good quality is without any doubt a great plus.

Also, unlike many other popular destinations for education abroad, Greece is nearby and you could travel back to Bulgaria more frequently.

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asia

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AsiA Asia is the Earth© s largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. Asia covers an area of 44,579,000 square kilometers, about 30% of Earth© s total land area and 8.7% of the Earth© s total surface area. It has historically been home to the world© s first modern civilizations and has always hosted the bulk of the planet© s human population.

Having said that, it is hardly surprising that the universities in that continent are getting more prominence on the international stage.

eAst AsiA - the rise oF the tiger economies The rapid economic growth of China, combined with the already developed economies of Japan, South Korea and Singapore has increased the demand of well-trained specialists. This process is driving the universities forward. Traditionally, the two city-states – Singapore and Hong Kong (formally part of China, but largely autonomous) top all international rankings when it comes to high quality education. But in the latest edition of the World University Rankings China also has a representative in the prestigious top 10 and dozens among the top 100.

Rank

University

Country

Results

1

National University of Singapore

Singapore

100

2

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

99,3

3

KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

South Korea

99

4

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Singapore

98,6

5

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Hong Kong

98 Source: QS World University Rankings

West AsiA - From petroleum to World clAss educAtion

not flow forever. The best way to invest the accumulated wealth has proven to be education.

One word only – petroleum. The black gold transformed the fragmented, poor and underdeveloped Arab sheikhdoms into prosperous and influential states. And now it seems that the leaders of this part of the continent have realized that the petroleum will

This particular ranking has included Egypt as well, even though only a small portion of its territory is located in Asia. While speaking of this region, we should also point out the strong educational system in Israel, as well as the rapidly improving one in Turkey.

Rank

University

Country

Results

1

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Saudi Arabia

100

2

American University of Beirut (AUB)

Lebanon

99,4

3

King Saud University

Saudi Arabia

97,6

4

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

Saudi Arabia

93,4

5

The American University in Cairo

Egypt

90,4 Source: QS World University Rankings

chinA FActs

capital official language regional languages population area currency climate

JApAn

Beijing Chinese Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur 1 350 695 000 9 596 961 km2 Chinese yuan (CNY) subtropical to the south, temperate to the north

capital language population area currency climate

FActs

Tokyo Japanese 126 659 683 377 944 km2 Japanese yen (JPY) mild oceanic

durAtion

durAtion

The master programs are 1 to 2 years long.

Just like in many other countries, the master courses are either 1 or 2 years long. The duration depends on the bachelor specialization of the candidate, as well as the university’s requirements.

lAnguAge The language of instruction in most Chinese colleges is Mandarin or Standard Chinese. It is a unified form of the Chinese language, which is otherwise separated into multiple dialects. In the last 20 years several branches of British universities were founded, where English is the language of teaching. Some of the more recognizable names include Liverpool, Nottingham and Queen Mary Universities.

lAnguAge certiFicAtes The most common exam for mastery of the Chinese language is the TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) You will need this certificate to be accepted in a master program in any university in Chinese. For programs in English you will need IELTS, TOEFL, CAE or CPE.

ApplicAtion requirements For most of the master programs all that is required are your documents.

In the branches of the British universities there are additional requirements – recommendations, motivational letter and essay.

tuition Fees The fees in China vary greatly. The most prestigious universities and international programs cost around 20,000 CNY per semester. This equals roughly 4,000-5,000 BGN. The common Chinese universities are significantly cheaper – with prices relative to the Bulgarian universities.

living expenses The standard of life in Chine is considered lower than the Bulgarian, but we should not forget that China is a land of great contrasts. A huge part of the Chinese population is indeed very poor, despite the economic growth in recent years. At the same time there’s a big middle class forming, whose lifestyle doesn’t differ from that of the Europeans.

Funding options Finding a job in China is… difficult for a foreigner. However the taxes are bearable for most Bulgarians. Most of our students in the country arrive per arrangement between Bulgarian and Chinese universities that take care of a substantial part of their expenses.

useFul links www.edu.cn www.chineseculture.about.com www.csc.edu.cn

lAnguAge The only official language in the Japanese educational system is Japanese and this of course applies to the master© s courses as well.

lAnguAge certiFicAtes The main certificate exam for Japanese is called JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). The test consists of 5 parts and is often referred to as one of the most difficult certificate exams.

ApplicAtion requirements Applying for a master© s course is done by documents. You have to present your bachelor© s diploma (translated to Japanese and legalized) and to fill application forms. The private universities are very autonomous and this allows for varying acceptance conditions.

tuition Fees Nearly 80% of the colleges in the land of the rising sun are private which means only one thing – higher fees. The standard fee in a private college is around 6,500 to 10,000 USD.

living expenses Perhaps the biggest expense in Japan is travelling. We’re not talking only about flying to and from Bulgaria. The problem is also the difficult transport in the crowded Japanese cities.

Japan is a largely westernized country and you will not experience a dramatic cultural shock. But the difficult language, different time-zones and the pedantic work ethic are challenging for Bulgarian students.

Funding options There are many options for scholarships and student loans. The criteria may vary – from social status to success in the field of study.

useFul links www.jlpt.jp/e/ www.studyjapan.go.jp www.jasso.go.jp www.g-studyinjapan.jasso.go.jp

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singApore

FActs

capital official language population area currency climate

south KoreA

capital language population area currency

Singapore English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil 5 399 200 716.1 km2 Singapore dollar (SGD) tropical

climate

FActs

Seoul Korean 50 219 669 100 210 km2 South Korean won (KRW) temperate

durAtion

durAtion

SingaporeŠ s educational system is a mixture of British and East Asian higher education traditions. That is why you may come across masterŠ s courses that are one, two or even two and a half years in length. This varies depending on the university and the subject of choice. There are branches of Chinese, Japanese and British universities in Singapore.

Master courses are either one or two years long depending on the university and subject of choice, as well as previous knowledge.

lAnguAge Even though Singapore has four official languages subjects are taught almost exclusively in English. This is hardly a cause for alarm for most Bulgarians, seeing as there are probably few fluent in Mandarin, Tamil or Malay.

lAnguAge certiFicAtes It is best to obtain a language certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL in preparation for a course in English. If you already have a different certificate such as Cambridge English, PTE etc. it is advisable to contact the university you are interested in directly. Even though they are not mentioned explicitly in the respective sites, they may still be accepted.

ApplicAtion requirements As most other East Asian countries Singapore also has a very strict policy towards foreigners who intend to live there. Applicants should register in the Ministry of Education as well as in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. In the universities applicants are accepted almost exclusively based on their application documents.

tuition Fees The price of master courses varies between 5,000 and 20,000 USD a year.

living expenses

lAnguAge The main teaching language is Korean but there are many courses in English. A number of Korean universities partner American ones.

lAnguAge certiFicAtes Knowledge of Korean is validated through the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) exam. The best exams in English are IELTS or TOEFL. Because South Korea leads a policy of simplification regarding accepting foreign students a high level in the respective language is rarely obligatory in the beginning of the course.

ApplicAtion requirements Acceptance conditions in courses in English most often in the same mold as those in American universities. As well as the standard baccalaureate and application form you may sometimes need a motivation letter, at least two letters of recommendation from teachers, a resume and even a professional portfolio. Naturally all of this varies depending on you subject of choice.

tuition Fees Tuition fees in state universities are usually about of 4,000 USD. As you probably already suspected they are dramatically higher in private establishments. They range from 6,500 to over 10,000 USD.

living expenses

In reality Singapore is a city-state situated on a not particularly large island. It is no surprise then that due to this it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Overcrowded streets and enormous traffic jams are a common and perpetual site. However, living costs are similar or even lower than many a popular educational destination in the USA and Europe.

The standard of living in Korea differs between the various regions. This could probably be argued for every country, but the differences here are especially dramatic. Seoul for example is among the most expensive cities in Asia and the monthly cost of living could easily exceed 1,500 BGN. Unlike their Japanese neighbors Koreans are far more open towards foreigners. If you find yourself in the company of younger people, there would hardly be any cultural difference.

Funding options

Funding options

The Singapore government grants a limited number of scholarships for foreign students. Some universities also subsidize students with a loan or scholarship.

The external links listed below will provide you with additional information.

It is possible to obtain a scholarship. However, like everything else in Korean universities, the competition for scholarships is fierce. Finding a part time job is relatively easy, but combining it with your studies may not be.

useFul sites www.smu.edu.sg www.study-singapore.in www.mycollegesabroad.com/country/singapore

useFul sites www.studyinkorea.go.kr www.english.visitkorea.or.kr

united ArAb QAtAr emirAtes FActs

capital official language population area currency climate

FActs

capital Doha language Arabic population 2 155 446 area 11 571 km2 currency Qatari riyal (QAR) climate desert

Abu Dhabi Arabic 9 205 650 83 600 km2 UAE dirham (AED) desert

durAtion

durAtion

Master courses have a duration of 1 or 2 academic years.

Master© s courses vary in length between 1 and 2 years.

lAnguAge

lAnguAge

Courses are generally taught in both Arabic and English, but some branches of western universities instruct exclusively in English.

Even though the only official language in Qatar is Arabic, practically all universities in the country also teach in English. This is because almost all higher education establishments were established in the last 30 years in partnership with British and American universities. Foreign curriculums are being used and a large part of the lecturers are also foreign. Religious subjects are the exception – the only teaching language there is Arabic.

lAnguAge certiFicAtes If you are applying for a course in Arabic you will be able to certify your knowledge with the ALPT exam (Arabic Language Proficiency Test).

For courses in English the most often acknowledged certificates are Cambridge English, TOEFL and IELTS.

ApplicAtion requirements There are few local students in the UAE so universities are generally open towards foreign students. Most come from the Arab world and Asia, though acceptance conditions are not too difficult to meet. Even knowledge in Arabic is no longer mandatory.

Applications for master© s courses are purely based on documents, though some universities have interviews and short tests in store for applicants.

The standard set of documents – a bachelor© s diploma, photos, language certificates, etc. – is naturally also required.

tuition Fees Yearly tuition fees in the UAE vary wildly – between 50,000 and 90,000 AED. That is roughly in the range 25,000 to 35,000 BGN.

living expenses Like the other Arab countries from the Persian gulf the UAE are incredibly rich and very culturally different form Europe. Islam is the dominating religion and all who live there must live by the country© s conservative ways regardless of their origin.

Life in huge metropolises such as Abu Dhabi or Dubai is very dynamic.

The overwhelming majority of the residents are foreign born, which makes the UAE one of the most diverse and interesting place to live.

Funding options There are many additional funding opportunities. It is advisable to read through the easily locatable "Tuition and Scholarships" section of most universities sites. Scholarships vary in many aspects though most universities offer them.

useFul sites www.arabiancampus.com

lAnguAge certiFicAtes If you choose to apply for a course taught in Arabic you must prove your knowledge with the ALPT (Arabic Language Proficiency Test) exam.

For courses taught in English Cambridge English, TOEFL and IELTS certificates are most often accepted.

ApplicAtion requirements American universities influence their Qatari counterparts very heavily in most aspects and their admission process is no exception. Often there are online interviews, motivational essays and 2 letters of recommendation.

tuition Fees Perhaps you© d think that a country as rich with oil as Qatar would have no need for significant fees? And you© d be right... if you were born there.

The state finances the entire education of local students even in private establishments. Foreigners though are forced to pay a hefty fee in the region of 20,000 USD a year.

living expenses Life in the Persian gulf is probably rather different from what you are used to in Bulgaria. Qatar is one of the very few remaining absolute monarchies where the emir© s word is law. Its society is rather conservative and reclusive despite considerable investments in education. The monthly rent of a small apartment in Doha exceeds 1,300 USD and daily expenses reach up to 100 USD.

Funding options If you© re a woman you could marry a Qatari, convert to Islam, change your name and have your education paid for you... though that seems a bit excessive. Universities can reduce their fees in some cases but there is no centralized financial aid system. It is best to simply ask a representative from a university that you are interested in studying.

useFul sites www.masterstudies.com/Qatar/ www.gooverseas.com/study-abroad/qatar

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